Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, Associate Editor for Weather
J. Marshall Shepherd, Weather Associate Editor
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd joined the Department of Geography’s Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia (UGA) in January 2006.
He is a full professor conducting research, advising, and teaching in atmospheric sciences, climatology, water cycle processes, and urban climate systems.
He is also the director of the UGA Atmospheric Sciences Program. Prior to joining the UGA faculty, Marshall spent 12 years as a research meteorologist in the Earth-Sun Division at NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center.
Marshall also is a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, and was honored by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of their 2005 Hot List under 40 members, and The Network Journal magazine in 2005 as one of its “40 Under Forty.”
Marshall has more than 70 publications in the peer-reviewed literature. He also contributes to publications including Weatherwise and Earth Observation Magazine.
Marshall received his B.S., M.S. and PhD in physical meteorology from Florida State University. He was the first African American to receive a PhD from the university’s Department of Meteorology.
He frequently makes TV and radio appearances as an expert on weather, climate, and remote sensing. During the Hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, he appeared in more than 50 media interviews, including on the Today Show, Larry King Live, CNN, and Fox News.
Marshall is the author of forthcoming textbook, “The Urban Climate System,” and co-authored a children’s book on weather and weather instruments.
In his spare time, he is an avid sports fan and also enjoys fitness training. He is also an audio-video-home theater enthusiast, Scrabble expert, and CD collector. Marshall is originally from Canton, Georgia. He is married to Ayana Shepherd and has two children, Arissa and Anderson.
Editor’s Picks
Code Grey: Protecting Hospitals from Severe Weather
Recent events reveal that our health care infrastructure is vulnerable to severe weather. These events highlight that when a hospital building fails, so too does the continuum of health care delivery. Patients, staff, and families suffer. This is the primary reason why a closer look is needed at risks and mitigation opportunities for hospitals.
Wendy Thomas, posted on
June 28th, 2011
Articles, Earth Observation, Extreme Weather, Health
Death From a Clear Blue Sky: Extreme Non-Convective High Winds
From the days of ancient mariners to the modern era of remote sensing , it has been known that it doesn’t take a hurricane, tornado or thunderstorm to create damaging and even deadly winds. The wind-related death of young Declan Sullivan at Notre Dame University is a reminder that non-convective winds can be as dangerous as major storms. What brings hurricane-force winds "out of a clear blue sky?" What can we to to mitigate the harm they can do?
Knox et al., posted on
June 4th, 2011
Articles, Extreme Weather
Changing the Media Discussion on Climate and Extreme Weather
Scientists need to work to reframe the conversation about climate change in the media. This is important given the politicization of climate change science, where scientific uncertainty is often mischaracterized and promoted as an excuse for inaction.
Shearer and Rood, posted on
April 17th, 2011
Articles, Climate, Extreme Weather
NASA Daily Image
Opportunity's Traverse Map From Sol 2951