Biography

Dr. W. Lee Ellenburg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and is the Alabama State Climatologist. His research seeks to better understand the interactions among climate, land surface processes, and water resources, with an emphasis on drought, hydroclimatology, hydrology, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and agricultural water management. By integrating field observations, remote sensing, environmental modeling, and data science, his work advances both the fundamental understanding of the hydrologic cycle and the development of practical tools for water resource planning and climate resilience.

As Alabama State Climatologist, Dr. Ellenburg provides climate science and decision support to state and federal agencies, emergency managers, agricultural producers, and water managers throughout Alabama. He leads efforts to improve drought monitoring, expand environmental observing networks, and strengthen climate services that support informed decision-making.

At UAH, Dr. Ellenburg teaches hydrology and related courses while mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in water resources, hydroclimatology, and environmental data science. His research is supported by NOAA, NASA, USDA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other federal and state partners.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2015
• M.S.E, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2011
• B.A., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2009