David M. Holland, Ph.D., is a professor of mathematics and atmosphere/ocean science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University and director of the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (EFDL) in New York City. He studies phenomena relating to the Polar Regions and their impacts on our global climate. Holland’s current research focuses on the computer modeling of the interaction of the Earth’s ice sheets with ocean waters and the acquisition and implementation of observational data for model improvements.
Holland is a lead Principal Investigator on the MELT project. His most extensive fieldwork continues to center on Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, with attention focused on the melting at the glacier’s ice-ocean interface. Acquiring these measurements is important to understand better the physical processes involved and the potential for triggering increased sea-level rise. An interview with recent NYU President Andy Hamilton can be seen here.
“Warm waters in this part of the world, as remote as they may seem, should serve as a warning to all of us about the potential dire changes to the planet brought about by climate change.” — David M. Holland, Ph.D.