Umphlett takes the reins at HPRCC

Natalie Umphlett at the 96th annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society in New Orleans. (Photo by Ken Dewey)
Natalie Umphlett at the 96th annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society in New Orleans. (Photo by Ken Dewey)

With the newly established Nebraska State Climate Office set to serve as the primary source of climate information for Nebraska, the High Plains Regional Climate Center, led by interim director Natalie Umphlett, will be able to focus on the climate needs of the broader region it serves.

"I am honored to be serving as interim director for the High Plains Regional Climate Center and I am lucky to work with a dedicated, experienced staff who bring over 60 years of combined experience to the center," Umphlett said.

John Carroll, director of the School of Natural Resources, said that the HPRCC serves a "critical role" in the High Plains and across the country.

"We are very lucky to have the center based here at UNL," Carroll said. "Its data and climate products are crucial for scientists and the rest of us for understanding weather, climate and how to plan for change. We are very excited to have Natalie stepping up in the director role – she is an outstanding scientist who will do an excellent job leading the HPRCC."

The HPRCC has been a major provider of climate data and information to the High Plains region – which, in addition to Nebraska, includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Kansas – for nearly 30 years.

Additionally, in recent years the HPRCC has served stakeholders in every state and in more than 20 countries around the world.

"The center is a leader in climate services and assessments, and a go-to source for climate information, products and expertise," said Martha Shulski, associate professor in the School of Natural Resources and the newly named state climate office director and state climatologist. "Natalie is experienced and well-positioned to take the reins and continue the center’s mission as interim director."

Mike Hayes, director of the National Drought Mitigation Center, said that he is "thrilled" to have Umphlett as the HPRCC interim director.

"She is tremendously respected by her peers in the climate community across the country and comes into this position with a wealth of knowledge relating to the unique climate of the High Plains region," he said.

Umphlett earned her undergraduate and master's degrees from UNL. Prior to her appointment as interim director, she served as regional climatologist at the HPRCC for seven years. She is a member of the American Meteorological Society, the American Association of State Climatologists and the American Geophysical Union.

As interim director, Umphlett said that she is looking forward to carrying on the center’s strong reputation throughout the region and beyond.

"We will continue to provide high quality climate data, products and information to our stakeholders," Umphlett said. "As we respond to their evolving needs, I'm sure that 2016 will be filled with new challenges and exciting opportunities."

— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources