Brandon Ryan
Department of Geosciences
Hometown: Commack, New York

Research Areas: Meteorology, Urban Systems, GIS, Sports Stadiums, Rural Education, Science Communication & Outreach (K-12)

Office: 2194A Haley Center

Email: bjr0032@auburn.edu

Curriculum vitae

Website


Education
MS, Geography, Auburn University
2022
Certificate in Applied Geospatial Technologies, University of Louisville
2020
Minor, Environmental Analysis, University of Louisville
2020
BS, Atmospheric Sciences, University of Louisville
2020


Professional Employment
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Concepts of Science Lab
2022 - Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Weather and Climate Lab
2022 - Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Introduction to GIS
2022 - Present
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Quantitative Methods
2022 - Present
NSF Climate Resilience Traineeship (Un-funded)
2022 - Present
NSF Climate Resilience Traineeship (Funded)
2020 - 2022


Honors and Awards
1887 Society Ambassador, Auburn University Graduate School


Research and Teaching Interests

In Auburn, summer temperatures are expected to increase from an average of 90 in 2024 to 95 degrees by 2050. As many sports and activities are conducted during summer (May-August), understanding how this increase in heat may impact individuals is imperative. Fan and spectator safety is a major concern for Auburn Athletics. The increase in the heat index is of most concern. The heat index is a combination of air temperature and humidity, with a heat index above 90 degrees being considered dangerous or extreme heat. Presently, during game days when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees the Auburn Campus Safety and a local air conditioning company deploy cooling stations (fans, tent/shading, water stations) around campus and throughout the stadium. Heat injury/illness can result from exposure to prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or fluid intake.

The National Weather Service reports heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States (U.S.) over a 10-year (2011-2020) and 30-year (1991-2020) average. This is expected to increase as global temperatures climb, with 2024 predicted to be the hottest year on record. Alabama recorded 19 related heat deaths in 2018; 22 in 2019; 17 in 2020 and 10 in 2021. Auburn Campus Safety notes the number of calls and reports regarding heat related illnesses from fans during sporting events has increased significantly since 2020. This research provides the actionable data required to guide the data driven response Auburn University needs to ensure the safety of its students and fans.


Selected Publications

  1. Pendola, Andrew, Frank Perrone, and Brandon Ryan. (2024). From School to School: Examining the Contours of Switching Schools within the Special Education Teacher Labor Market. (EdWorkingPaper: 24-1014). Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: https://doi.org/10.26300/g81p-e337 [Pre-Print]
  2. Youngquist, K., Shrestha, M., Ryan, B., & Mitra, C. (2023). “A global scoping review on sustainability, climate migration, and climate resilience of small and medium-sized cities (SMSC).” Urban Climate, 49, 101546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2023.101546
  3. Acknowledged for work as an analytical technician: Coleman, C. J., Yeager, R. A., Pond, Z. A., Riggs, D. W., Bhatnagar, A., & Arden Pope, C. 2022. “Mortality risk associated with greenness, air pollution, and physical activity in a representative U.S. cohort.” Science of The Total Environment, 824, 153848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153848.
  4. Acknowledged for work as an analytical technician: Yeager, R., R. H. Holm, K. Saurabh, J. L. Fuqua, D. Talley, A. Bhatnagar, and T. Smith. 2021. “Wastewater Sample Site Selection to Estimate Geographically Resolved Community Prevalence of COVID-19: A Sampling Protocol Perspective.” GeoHealth 5 (7): e2021GH000420. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GH000420
  5. Ryan, Brandon (2020) “Analysis of Writing Practices: Business Writing in a Scientific World,” Cardinal Compositions: Vol. 4, Article 5.






Last updated: 08/30/2024