Joel Finnis

Dr. Joel Finnis is an associate professor with the Department of Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Originally trained in the Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, his interests have gradually expanded from climate dynamics and machine learning applications to include research at the intersection of the natural and social sciences. Recent efforts include development of novel hazard climatologies; analyses of marine forecast application, communication, and implementation; and critical reviews of climate perception research. His work is currently used to inform climate adaption efforts in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is central to a provincial adaptation training program (Building Climate Resilience). With Drs. Ron Pelot (Dalhousie) and Amber Silver (SUNY-Albany), Dr. Finnis coleads the Coast and Ocean Risk Communication Community of Practice (CORC-CoP), a network of scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders motivated by a common interest in reducing the impact of hazards on coastal communities and industries. The current proposal will build in these recent activities, incorporating Finnis’ expertise in coastal and ocean hazard mitigation, climate change adaptation, and science communication into a broader analysis of coastal sustainability and long-term planning. Dr. Finnis is the lead of FOCI research Work Package 2 (WP2) and Integration Work Package 2 (IWP2). He is spearheading research activities connected to WP2.1 (Forecasting for diverse needs) and co-leading WP2.2 (Utility of Climate Guidance Products) and WP2.3 (Trees as Natural Infrastructure for Coastal Adaptation), with Daraio and C. Brown respectively.