Hi! I’m Adam, an NSF graduate research fellow in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC). I am advised by Cristi Proistosescu, Principle Investigator of the Climate dynamics and data science @ UIUC research group, and Gernot Wagner of Columbia Business School. My work primarily focuses on problems in climate science and climate economics, with a particular focus on the economics/policy component. Check out my CV if you want more information on my research and academic background.
I am a trained theoretical physicist and mathematician who now focuses on more “practical” problems (than, say, the spacetime near a ray of light). The tools I’ve developed during my research career are considerably diverse; I’ve completed projects that involve theorem-proof style mathematics, designing a computational asset pricing model for CO2 emissions, and building models to interpret climate data. I hope to continue doing research in my career after graduation in hope of building a greener, more equitable world.
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona (UArizona), where I graduated with a B.S. in physics (with honors) and a B.S. in mathematics, along with a minor in astronomy and astrophysics. I worked on numerous projects during my undergraduate years, including projects related to understanding massive galaxy clusters, the fluid mechanics of the solar wind, and the inner horizon(s) of black holes. I won the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award from the UArizona College of Science for my contributions to each of these fields.
I grew up in Buffalo, New York, an upbringing that prepared me well for the cold midwestern winters. In my spare time, I rock climb. A lot. I also play chess (poorly) and try to study it as often as I can. I enjoy reading, especially books on history, economics, and philosophy, as well as really, really corny self-help books. (Check out my book reviews if you’d like to learn more.) I also listen to way too many podcasts and music across a variety of genres. I also love sports, and closely follow college and professional football, as well as basketball and soccer.
