About
I am an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and the School of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma. My research group, the Regional HydroClimate Analysis and Modeling (RHyCAM) Lab, focuses on addressing the challenges posed by natural hazards—such as storms, floods, and wildfires—through a dual approach: advance our understanding and projection of these hazards using cutting-edge data and modeling tools, and develop strategies to mitigate their impacts through improved infrastructure design and operational practices. By integrating observational data, high-resolution physical earth system modeling, and data-driven modeling, my research constructs, projects, and analyzes natural hazards to inform resilient solutions. My research is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications, contributing to a more sustainable and disaster-resilient society.
I got my Ph.D. degree from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington, where I was a member of the Sustainability, Satellites, Water, and Environment (SASWE) research group. My doctoral study focused on the applications of atmospheric and hydrologic sciences in addressing real-world problems. After my Ph.D., I moved to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and worked as a postdoc and Earth scientist during 2018-2024, working with Dr. Ruby Leung on various projects on regional environmental change and high-resolution Earth system modeling.
Selected Publications
View All →Sharpening of cold-season storms over the western United States
Xiaodong Chen†, L. Ruby Leung†, Yang Gao, Ying Liu, Mark Wigmosta
Nature Climate Change
Impact of Atmospheric Rivers on Surface Hydrological Processes in Western U.S. Watersheds
Xiaodong Chen†, L. Ruby Leung†, Mark Wigmosta, Marshall Richmond
Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
A comprehensive evaluation of how ARs module land surface water budget over the western US, highlighting precipitation and snowmelt in runoff process.
Understanding future safety of DAMs in a changing climate
Xiaodong Chen, Faisal Hossain†
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
Probable Maximum Precipitation in the U.S. Pacific Northwest in a Changing Climate
Xiaodong Chen, Faisal Hossain†, L. Ruby Leung
Water Resources Research
News
Collaboration paper is published on Weather and Climate Extremes, examining how heatwaves respond in the future warming world.
Lead paper published on BAMS, examining dynamically and statistically downscaled precipitation data over the CONUS regarding their performance in constructing individual storm events for hydrological studies and impact assessment.
I will be presenting at the 106th AMS Annual Meeting (@Houston, TX) on 01/29 afternoon. Feel free to drop by!
I will be at AGU Fall Meeting (@New Orleans, LA) during 12/15-12/19. I will give an invited talk on "Evaluation of Precipitation Event Construction in Downscaled Precipitation Products over CONUS" on 12/16. Let me know if you are also around!
Collaboration paper published on GRL, examining the precipitation in new CONUS404 reanalysis.
Lead paper published on JGR-A, quantifying the predictive skills of ENSO and MJO on preciptation, temperature, snow and runoff seasonal conditions and daily extremes in Puget Sound region.
Collaboration paper published on Environmental Research-Energy, analyzing seasonal compound variable renewable energy droughts (low wind, solar, and hydropower) in the US.
Collaboration paper published on JC, examining the spatial-temporal change of precipitation in the western US.
I have officially started my new position at University of Oklahoma. Please let me know if you are around Norman, I am eager to meet you and establish new collaborations!