Brandon Ryan (PhD Student)

Brandon comes to us from Commack, New York. He attended the University of Louisville for his undergraduate studies, where he received a degree in Atmospheric Science, a minor in environmental analysis, and a certificate in geospatial technologies. He arrived at Auburn in Fall 2020 and has been an acting NSF trainee for the past two years. While at Auburn Brandon finished as a top-10 Finalist in the University's annual 3 Minute Thesis competition and was a recipient of the COSAM Dean's Research Award for master's students in Spring 2022. He remains at Auburn to pursue his Ph.D. in Earth System Science and has also been selected as an 1887 Society Ambassador for the 2022-2023 school year.

In Auburn, summer temperatures are expected to increase from an average of 90 in 2024 to 95 degrees by 2050. As many sports and activities are conducted during summer (May-August), understanding how this increase in heat may impact individuals is imperative. Fan and spectator safety is a major concern for Auburn Athletics. The increase in the heat index is of most concern. The heat index is a combination of air temperature and humidity, with a heat index above 90 degrees being considered dangerous or extreme heat. Presently, during game days when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees the Auburn Campus Safety and a local air conditioning company deploy cooling stations (fans, tent/shading, water stations) around campus and throughout the stadium. Heat injury/illness can result from exposure to prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or fluid intake. Auburn Campus Safety notes the number of calls and reports regarding heat related illnesses from fans during sporting events has increased significantly since 2020. This research provides the actionable data required to guide the data driven response Auburn University needs to ensure the safety of its students and fans.