Abigail Swann

Abigail L. S. Swann is an Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and Ecology at the University of Washington. Her research primarily focuses on the interactions between plants and climate, particularly how changes in ecosystems can influence climate dynamics globally.

Early Life and Education

Swann grew up in Glen Ellen, California, and currently resides in Seattle, Washington. She earned her bachelor's degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a master's degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University. She completed her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley under the supervision of Inez Fung.

Research and Career

Swann leads the Ecoclimate Lab, where her team investigates the feedback mechanisms between ecosystems and climate systems across various spatial and temporal scales. Her work utilizes climate models to explore how vegetation influences climate patterns, including the potential warming effects of introducing deciduous forests in Arctic regions due to reduced ice cover and increased water vapor from evapotranspiration.12

Some notable findings from her research include:

• Plants' adaptive responses to increasing CO2 levels, which can mitigate drought impacts by reducing water usage.
• The global implications of local ecosystem changes on climate, emphasizing the interconnectedness of terrestrial ecosystems through atmospheric circulation.13

Awards and Honors

Swann has received several accolades for her contributions to science, including:

• American Geophysical Union Global Environmental Change Early Career Award (2019)
• Ecological Society of America Early Career Fellow (2019)
• Featured as one of Science News' 10 Scientists to Watch (2019)
• National Science Foundation CAREER Faculty Early Career Development Award (2016) among others.

Her research has been highlighted in various scientific publications and media outlets, showcasing her impact on understanding climate-ecosystem interactions.12