NW CASC Postdoctoral Fellow Adam Price is part of a national cohort of fellows leading regional research projects related to the future of aquatic flows as part of the Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows Program.
Adam earned his doctoral degree from the University of California Santa Cruz. His work explores stream intermittency across large spatial scales using machine learning, big data and physically-based models. Adam’s previous work focused on investigating specific wetting and drying signals associated with non-perennial streamflow. The focus of Adam’s CAP fellowship is exploring streamflow permanence across the Pacific Northwest using machine learning and physically-based models and increasing the value of these methods through co-production of science with stakeholders.
In his spare time, Adam enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Danielle, and two dogs either rafting, trail running, ski touring, mountain biking or listening to good live music at one of the many beer spots the PNW has to offer!
What led you to work in the field of climate adaptation?
I grew up in a small mountain town and spent time as an outdoor guide working and living directly as a user of waters in the West. This personal and professional connection to rivers and water led to studying and researching in the field of hydrology. Being intertwined in these water-centered communities led me to work on co-production of actionable hydrologic science and how climate change will impact these communities.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
My day-to-day consists of interacting with stakeholders and technical collaborators through many zoom meetings and shared (virtual) working hours. Additionally, my work focuses on analyzing watershed models and using large hydrologic datasets for machine learning, so I spend a lot of time exploring new data sources and reading manuscripts to gain a better understanding of hydrologic modeling in the Pacific Northwest.
How does your work support climate resilience in the Northwest?
The work I am doing as a climate adaptation postdoctoral fellow is focused on low and no-flow modeling and associated natural resource management in the Pacific Northwest. Right now we are interacting with tribal, state and federal agencies to focus our scientific efforts on providing useful information and tools to better apply low and no-flow modeling to the specific management needs of these stakeholders. I hope this work can not only lead to improved understanding of aquatic flows in the Pacific Northwest, but better aid adaptation in communities and management strategies for increased streamflow intermittence as climate continues to change.
What is your favorite thing about your work?
My favorite thing about my work is communicating hydrologic science, particularly related to hydrologic phenomena found through the use of “big data”. It is really great to bring hydrologic knowledge to the communities that have inspired me to pursue this work. Whether sharing that knowledge in a classroom, at a conference, or on a river trip, being in the natural world and sharing insights about hydrology is personally rewarding.