Episode 33

Episode 33: Biometeorology & Individual Weather Monitoring (w/ Evan Kuras)

Hype of the Week:
We are joined by our good friend, Evan Kuras, an environmental ecologist who has looked at how people experience temperature and weather conditions differently depending on each individual's unique circumstances that dictate how they go about their day.

Guest Starring:

Evan Kuras

Evan is a Master of Science student in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst.

What is Biometeorology?

Biometeorology: An interdisciplinary science that considers the interactions between atmospheric processes and living organisms (plants, animals and humans)” [International Society of Biometeorology (ISB) 2013; McGregor 2012b], brings together research from such diverse disciplines including, but not limited to, geography, biology, mathematics and statistics, environmental science, and physiology, requires its practitioners to be conversant in a wide range of disciplines.

Heterogeneity in individually experienced temperatures (IETs) within an urban neighborhood: insights from a new approach to measuring heat exposure

The manuscript discusses a pilot study looking at how people experience temperatures differently within one neighborhood in Boston. Using what are called thermochron iButtons (pictured left), these little devices can measure air temperatures constantly and log information on what people are experiencing on a daily basis. For more on this study, the link is HERE.

His other paper provides a road map for other students, researchers, and scholars interested in conducting personal heat exposure research. For more on this study, the link is HERE.