Andrea O'neill
About Andrea O'neill
Andrea O'Neill is an oceanographer at the U.S. Geological Survey, specializing in climate change impacts on coastal areas. She has a Master's degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor's degree in Physical Oceanography from the University of Washington.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Andrea O'Neill has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2012, serving as an Oceanographer within the Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center. In this role, she designs methods for processing model output and field data, making them accessible for public use. O'Neill manages the development and implementation of the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS), which assesses the impacts of future climate change flooding along the California coast. Her work involves investigating storm-driven wave hazards and their hydrometeorological impacts, contributing to a better understanding of coastal vulnerabilities.
Education and Expertise
Andrea O'Neill holds a Master of Science degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School, where she studied from 2006 to 2009. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from the University of Washington, completing her studies from 1997 to 2001. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in oceanographic principles and meteorological data analysis, which she applies in her current research and modeling efforts.
Background
Before joining the U.S. Geological Survey, Andrea O'Neill worked as a Graduate Student at the Naval Postgraduate School in Yokosuka, Japan, from 2006 to 2009. This experience allowed her to gain practical knowledge and skills in oceanography and meteorology, which she later applied in her professional career. O'Neill's background includes a focus on the intersection of oceanographic research and climate change impacts, particularly in coastal environments.
Public Engagement and Outreach
Andrea O'Neill actively engages in public-facing science through various outreach efforts. She collaborates with local schools and coordinates with citizen science groups to collect flood data, promoting awareness of climate change impacts. Her commitment to education and community involvement helps bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding, fostering a greater appreciation for oceanographic and meteorological studies.
Research Collaboration and Coordination
In her role at the U.S. Geological Survey, Andrea O'Neill coordinates with other Federal agencies to facilitate student-based research contributions. This collaboration enhances the research efforts within the field of oceanography and supports the development of innovative solutions to address climate-related challenges. Her work emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex environmental issues.