Kaustubh Thirumalai

Dr. Kaustubh Thirumalai is an Associate Professor of Geosciences at the University of Arizona. As an Earth scientist working at the intersection of paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, climate dynamics, and stable isotope geochemistry, he investigates how past changes in oceans, rainfall, and climate variability can illuminate future risks. His research integrates geochemical records from natural archives with climate-system questions focused on monsoons, ENSO, hydroclimate extremes, and Earth-system changes. He serves as an Editor for the journal, Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology. At the University of Arizona, he directs the Paleo² Lab and has taught classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels in paleontology, geochemistry, paleoclimate, and oceanography, and is interested in mentoring student education and research at all levels. His honors include the American Geophysical Union's Nanne Weber Early Career Award and election as Fellow National of The Explorers Club. Kaustubh believes that Earth science is central to liberal education because it connects short-term human and societal change with the deep-time histories of Earth’s climate, tectonics, and biodiversity, offering a richer understanding of today’s environmental challenges and future human–environment relationships.