Q: What do you work on at CIRES?

I provide regional climate and drought information for drought early warning, monitoring, prediction, communication, and collaboration with Triibal nations, federal, state, and local government agencies, water providers, and managers to improve drought resilience. I authored the concept and am leading the development of a novel drought risk assessment online platform to improve equitable and accurate drought risk assessments in a changing climate and advance drought adaptation planning.

Q: What is your educational background?

I hold a PhD in Climate Resilience, Geography, and Planning. My doctoral research focused on enhancing water resilience in drought-prone, rapidly growing communities facing the challenges of climate change. [I combine my] academic background with practical experience to devise strategic solutions that foster resilience and sustainability in the face of environmental challenges.

Q: Tell us about a hobby of yours.

[I enjoy] white water kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding the beautiful rivers of the Intermountain West. I love spending time on rivers and traveling with my son Liam!

Q: Who in your life do you admire and why?

I admire my late father, James R. Follingstad because he never failed to give people unconditional kindness and a listening ear.

Q: What are you passionate about?
I have been passionate about making the world a better place and protecting our natural environment my whole life. This stemmed from my Grandfather asking me, "What have you done for the good of the world today?", every time I would see him. This was a formative message that has shaped my lifelong commitment to bettering the world around me!