Tom Rickenbach

Professor
Atmospheric Science

Brewster A-239
252-328-1039
rickenbacht@ecu.edu
he/him/his

Curriculum Vitae (PDF)

Website

Ph.D., Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University
M.S., Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University
B.S., Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

Research

Areas of Interest: Precipitation Systems, Climate Variability

Dr. Rickenbach’s research investigates how precipitation systems control and respond to changes in regional climate – today and in the future. His current work centers on understanding the mechanisms and timing of the seasonal transition of precipitation regimes in the southeastern United States, in order to improve climate forecasts of regional precipitation in a warmer world. He has played leadership roles in NASA-sponsored field programs to investigate tropical weather systems and to calibrate satellite observations of tropical rainfall. His research has been supported by NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Rickenbach has appeared in numerous television and radio interviews and has published opinion pieces related to climate change and science outreach. He has spent time on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. as a resource for Congressional staff on climate-related issues and impacts. He has participated in various university and industry panels on climate change science. In 2018, Dr. Rickenbach was honored with East Carolina University’s Scholar-Teacher Award.

Publications


Courses Taught

  • ATMO 1300: Weather and Climate
  • ATMO 2510: Physical Meteorology
  • GEOG 2350: Climate Change: Science and Society
  • ATMO 4580: Radar and Satellite Meteorology