MMC Professor Debra Tillinger, Ph.D. Lends Climate Science Expertise to International Science Times

Dr. Tillinger, who is a visiting professor of physics and biology at Marymount Manhattan College, was approached by the Science Times as an expert in its October 31st article “Hurricane Sandy: Was Global Warming The Cause?” Her qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Ocean & Climate Physics from Columbia University, made Dr. Tillinger an ideal choice to explain the role of climate change in October’s devastating hurricane.

The article also touches on public policy and the city’s infrastructure as it discusses strategies for dealing with storms in the future. Specifically, Dr. Tillinger focuses on New York’s water and sewer systems, which she sees as key elements in need of overhaul.

According to Dr. Tillinger, some work will need to be done to prevent future storms from wreaking the same kinds of havoc on New York’s public infrastructure. “If we had a better water system, scientists would worry less,” says Dr. Tillinger. “I’m just hoping that people who work on Wall Street start to see that.”

She’s in good company. Along with Dr. Tillinger’s easy-to-understand explanations of climate science, the Science Times also quotes former Vice President Al Gore, whose efforts to raise awareness and make strides in dealing with climate change have been widely visible over the past decade.

At Marymount Manhattan, Dr. Tillinger is among leaders in all fields of academia. This is her first year as a visiting professor at the College.

Published: November 01, 2012