Dr. James Marshall Shepherd is a globally recognized expert in weather, climate, and remote sensing, with a strong commitment to environmental advocacy. He is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA), where he also directs the UGA Atmospheric Sciences Program. His research focuses on hydrometeorological extremes, urban climate, and how atmospheric sciences intersect with societal issues, such as urban flooding and climate resilience. Through advanced weather-climate modeling and risk-vulnerability assessments, Dr. Shepherd works to address critical environmental challenges, including climate change, the energy-water-food nexus, and improving weather communication to help communities better prepare for extreme weather events.

A former NASA scientist and 2013 President of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), Dr. Shepherd is an advocate for using science to protect the environment. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific research and public policy, serving as a trusted advisor to leaders at NASA, the White House, and Congress. He has briefed the U.S. Senate on climate change and extreme weather and frequently appears on major media outlets, including CBS, CNN, The Today Show, and The Weather Channel, to raise awareness about environmental issues and the impacts of climate change.

Dr. Shepherd is the recipient of several environmental honors, including the 2020 Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science and the AMS Helmut Landsberg Award for his pioneering work on urban climate. He was also honored with the Captain Planet Foundation’s Protector of the Earth Award for his environmental advocacy. As the host of Weather Geeks on The Weather Channel, Dr. Shepherd uses his platform to educate the public on pressing environmental issues and the science behind climate change.

In addition to his research and media presence, Dr. Shepherd is a co-founder of the Alcova Elementary Weather Science Chat series, which introduces K-5 students to environmental science, fostering the next generation of climate advocates. He also serves on several national boards focused on climate and environmental policy, including the National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate and the Space Studies Board.

Dr. Shepherd holds a B.S., M.S., and PhD in physical meteorology from Florida State University (FSU), where he was the first African American to earn a PhD in meteorology. His advocacy for the environment and public engagement with science continues to inspire both his peers and the broader community to take action on climate change.