Kathie Dello (also known as Kathie Dello-Smith) is an American climate scientist and oceanographer specializing in climate variability, climate change impacts, and extreme weather events. She is widely recognized for her role as the North Carolina State Climatologist, a position she has held since 2021.
Career and Affiliations Dello serves as the State Climatologist for North Carolina, where she leads the North Carolina State Climate Office, housed within the Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS) at North Carolina State University (NCSU). In this role, she provides climate data, information, and expertise to state agencies, businesses, and the public, focusing on the unique climate challenges faced by North Carolina.
Prior to her appointment in North Carolina, Dello served as the Assistant State Climatologist for Oregon. Her professional experience includes significant work in climate data analysis, outreach, and communication, aiming to translate complex scientific information into actionable insights for various stakeholders. She is also actively involved in climate-related research, contributing to the understanding of regional climate trends and their implications.
Research and Expertise Her research interests primarily encompass climate monitoring, long-term climate trends, and the analysis of extreme weather phenomena such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Dello's work often involves assessing the impacts of a changing climate on various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and public health. A key aspect of her professional efforts is effective climate communication, where she frequently engages with the media and the public to explain climate science and its relevance to everyday life.
Education Kathie Dello earned her Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Arizona. Her academic background provides a strong foundation in atmospheric science, oceanography, and climate dynamics.