Roni Avissar was recently named the new dean of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Avissar’s research ranges from climate modeling and atmospheric science to aerodynamics and environmental engineering. Over the past 15 years, he has conducted extensive research on deforestation of the Amazon basin, finding that it has altered storm activity in the region and changed rainfall patterns in the American Midwest, South, and Southwest. His research contributes to the improvement of weather and climate models that improve storm forecasts, especially for hurricanes.

As part of his goals for the Rosenstiel School, he intends to build on the relationship between its researchers and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration laboratories, which are based across from the school on the Rickenbacker Causeway in Virginia Key. More joint research with UM’s College of Engineering and Miller School of Medicine are also key objectives, he says.

You can read the entire profile in Miami Today