Colfescu, Dr Ioana

Senior Research Scientist (Climate and Weather Model Data Analysis)

University of Leeds

Fairbairn House

71-75 Clarendon Road

Leeds

LS2 9PH

 

+44 113 343 3083  

https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/1207/dr-ioana-colfescu  

I joined NCAS as a volunteer, in 2016, for the 2016 Arran Measurments Summer School. I have been in NCAS ever since and, I am currently a Senior Research Scientist.

I have a PhD in Climate Dynamics (George Mason University, USA) and a background and Msc in Mathematics (University of Bucharest, Romania) the main focus of my research is on improving our understanding of the key processes determining Earth’s climate and climate variability on  timescales ranging from seasonal, to multidecadal. Some of the main topics of research I am interested in are the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV), extreme weather mechanisms and mountain wave dynamics.

In particular, I am interested in separating the role of anthropogenic emissions and natural climate variability and interactions between ocean and atmosphere. I am currently (2022-2023) a Research Scientist in the Department of Physics, University of Oxford, where I use Machine Learning techniques and climate models to improve the understanding of the key processes determining Earth’s climate (El NINO).

My work in NCAS entails not only research but, also taking part into field campaigns, working on industry related projects and, development of training resources as well as taking part into outreach activities. I have  recently joined Climate Change Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) an organization composed of volunteers from top world organizations from Academia and Industry around the world. Throughout my career I have been involved in various field campaigns (Arctic Ocean, Iceland, Italy, UK) and I am a Certified Mission Scientist for Airborne Research facilities.

Last, I am coordinating and developing course modules on climate change, I teach, mentor, and supervise post-graduate students, and develop teaching material (for post-graduate training courses). Recently I have joined Climate Change Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) an organization composed of volunteers from top world organizations from Academia and Industry around the world.

In my work as a scientist there are three main aspects I very much enjoy: learning new things and the ‘detective work’ aspect of being a scientist; second, during the Academic year 2021-2022 I co-supervised one Msc student for the University of Edinburgh and I recently started supervising as the main supervisor Msc students (5 students for the 2022-2023 Academic year) -working with students became one of the aspects I love best about my work. Last, I love having the opportunity to meet and learn along and from other scientists who are passionate about what they do.