Dongran Zhai, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University
Research Focus: Detection and attribution of climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems using satellite remote sensing, statistical modeling, and Earth system model analysis.
Education
2020–2025
Ph.D. in Ocean Sciences
University of California, Santa Cruz
2019–2020
M.S. in Ocean Sciences
University of California, Santa Cruz
GPA: 3.8/4.0
2017–2018
Exchange Student in Marine and Environmental Management
National Taiwan Ocean University
GPA: 4.0/4.0
2015–2019
B.S. in Marine Biological Technology
Nantong University
GPA: 3.9/4.0
Appointments
2026–present
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Tsinghua University
- • Developed a data-driven framework integrating multi-source satellite and reanalysis data to quantify typhoon and extreme climate impacts on phytoplankton dynamics.
- • Revealed nonlinear response mechanisms of chlorophyll a seasonal cycles to storm-induced perturbations, providing a predictive basis for ecological responses under climate variability.
2025–2026
Research Fellow
University of California, Santa Cruz
- • Conducting independent research on marine ecosystem change and climate variability.
- • Applying statistical modeling, remote sensing, and Earth system model analysis to quantify ecosystem responses to anthropogenic forcing.
Selected Publications
2025 In Preparation
Zhai, D., Beaulieu, C.
Detection and Attribution of Changes in Ocean Chlorophyll: Insights from Satellite Observations and CMIP6 Simulations
2025 Under Revision
Zhai, D., Beaulieu, C., Hammond, M. L., Sahu, S. K.
A Bayesian dynamic space-time model informed by optical variability for detecting trends in ocean satellite chlorophyll
2024 Published
Zhai, D., Beaulieu, C., Kudela, R. M.
Long-term trends in the distribution of ocean chlorophyll
Geophysical Research Letters
Skills
Programming & Data Analysis
Python R MATLAB SQL Linux/HPC Statistical Modeling Bayesian Analysis Time-Series Methods
Climate & Earth System Modeling
Earth System Models CMIP Simulations Detection & Attribution Ensemble Data Analysis
Geospatial & Remote Sensing
GIS Applications Satellite Ocean Color Multi-Sensor Data Integration
Scientific Tools
CDO NCO Ocean Data View (ODV) Panoply Advanced Visualization