Research Team

Dr. Bradley G. Illston

Senior Research Scientist; Mesonet Research Team Lead

B.S. Meteorology (2000), University of Oklahoma; M.S. Meteorology (2002), University of Oklahoma; Ph.D. Meteorology (2016), University of Oklahoma

Brad Illston is interested in surface and subterranean observational and climate data, urban/atmospheric interactions, boundary layer processes, and land surface interactions. His past research has led to the development of a soil moisture climatology of Oklahoma and a better understanding of the impacts droughts have on soil moisture conditions. Additionally, he created the Long Term Averages (link) of Oklahoma Mesonet data that can be utilized to compare current and past trends of weather data. He is also working on experiments to study alternate methods for measuring soil temperature from existing soil moisture sensors, anti-icing technology on wind sensors, and vertical soil temperature variability.

 

Dr. Christopher Fiebrich

Executive Director of the Oklahoma Mesonet, Associate Director of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey

B.S. Meteorology (1998), University of Oklahoma; M.S. Meteorology (2000), University of Oklahoma; PhD Meteorology (2007), University of Oklahoma

Dr. Fiebrich’s research focus involved improving our climate data through the use of automated weather stations.  He has also published papers on data quality assurance, the history of weather observations, and meteorological instrumentation.  Chris is currently the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Mesonet and Associate Director at the Oklahoma Climatological Survey. Chris works with all aspects of the Mesonet, from laboratory calibrations to site maintenance to Mesonet websites and outreach to teachers and emergency managers.