Hunter Hughes

Hunter P. Hughes is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and a proud recipient of the Lamont-Doherty Postdoctoral Fellowship. His research focuses on using high-resolution paleoclimate archives like corals, tree-rings, and bivalves to understand how hydroclimate variability has changed over time. To answer this question, he conducts research at every stage of the paleoclimate pipeline: from field sampling and modern analog studies, to record generation and climate interpretation, statistical modeling, record synthesis, and forward-facing attribution. He is particularly interested in applying novel statistical frameworks to both individual proxy records and to synthesis products such as spatially-explicit climate field reconstructions.

In addition to his research, Hughes is dedicated to teaching and outreach. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his Ph.D. in Earth, Marine, and Environmental Science, he co-developed a Marine Science 101 laboratory, led a seminar on climate change and epistemology, and was recognized with multiple awards for excellence in teaching and mentorship. His work has been presented at international scientific meetings and published in the paleoclimate and ocean sciences literature.

Hughes received his M.S. in Earth and Ocean Sciences from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, his B.A. from Emerson College. He is also a proud graduate of the Geology Department at Northern Virginia Community College where he received the bulk of his initial training in geology and oceanography.