AJ Purdy

A.J. Purdy’s research leverages satellite observations, models, and geospatial analyses to study hydrology, water resources, ecosystems, and the environment from watershed to global scales. Dr. Purdy received his MS and PhD in earth system science from UC Irvine. His dissertation research focused on the advancement and application of remotely sensed evapotranspiration. He also completed an MS in coastal watershed science and policy from CSU Monterey Bay, where he gained valuable experience working with farmers to improve on-farm management in California’s Central Valley. His BS is in industrial and systems engineering from University of San Diego. He is a member of Tao Beta Pi, the engineering honors society.

Before arriving at USF, Dr. Purdy was a postdoctoral scholar at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, studying linkages between carbon and water cycling using state-of-the art satellite observations, developing open-source software to ease the use of NASA data to support water management, and collaborating with industrial designers to improve drought data communication. Outside of work, AJ enjoys surfing, camping, and adventuring with his wife, daughter, and dog.