Liz Brabson

Paleoclimate  |  Paleoceanography  |  Earth System Science

PhD Candidate  |  Earth & Planetary Sciences  |  Yale University

(Dissertation defended May 1, 2026)

Ever since my first introduction to SSTA maps of the 1997-1998 ENSO event, I have been captivated by the oceans and their complex role in our dynamic Earth system. During my Master’s work at the University of Maryland, I used GFDL’s MOM4 to examine how changes in overturning circulation in the Pacific basin would affect Indonesian Throughflow and the frequency/intensity of ENSO events. Since then, I have expanded my interests to include marine carbon cycling, particularly during periods of global warmth. My current research at Yale focuses on the relative roles of ventilation and temperature-dependent remineralization in the North Pacific on the marine carbon cycle during the warm Pliocene.  I am using both geochemical proxies for pH (δ11B) and remineralization (δ13C), as well as data-model comparisons with CESM simulations to examine these processes.

In addition to my research interests, I also have over 15 years of experience teaching at the collegiate level. I have taught in both online and brick-and-mortar venues and enjoy integrating innovative techniques into the learning environment.