Dr. Dennis Lettenmaier stands as a preeminent authority in hydrological sciences with a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades. He currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Geography at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he continues to advance the frontiers of water resources research. A graduate of the University of Washington with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (summa cum laude, 1970) and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (1975), he further refined his expertise with an M.S. from George Washington University in 1972. His academic journey began at the University of Washington in 1976, where he established himself as a leading hydrologist before transitioning to UCLA in 2014. Throughout his career, Dr. Lettenmaier has held significant leadership positions including Program Manager of NASA's Land Surface Hydrology Program and past President of the Hydrology Section of the American Geophysical Union.
Dr. Lettenmaier's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of large-scale hydrological processes, particularly the complex interactions between hydrology and climate systems. His development of sophisticated hydrologic models has provided essential tools for predicting water availability under changing climate conditions, with applications spanning from regional water management to global climate assessments. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications and more than 100,000 citations, his scholarly contributions have established foundational frameworks that continue to guide contemporary research in hydrology and climate science. As the founding Chief Editor of the American Meteorological Society's Journal of Hydrometeorology, he played a pivotal role in establishing this critical interdisciplinary field that bridges meteorology and hydrology. His methodological innovations have been widely adopted by researchers and practitioners worldwide, significantly enhancing our capacity to understand and manage water resources in an era of climate change.
Recognized with prestigious honors including the American Geophysical Union's Horton Medal and the American Meteorological Society's Charney Medal, Dr. Lettenmaier's influence extends far beyond his direct research contributions. His election to the National Academy of Engineering stands as testament to the practical significance and broad impact of his work on water resources management and policy. Through his mentorship of numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, he has cultivated a new generation of hydrologists who now lead research programs at institutions worldwide. Currently engaged with the Colorado River Research Group, Dr. Lettenmaier actively contributes to addressing pressing water management challenges in the American West, demonstrating his commitment to translating scientific knowledge into actionable solutions. His ongoing research continues to address critical questions at the intersection of hydrology, climate science, and water resources sustainability, ensuring his enduring relevance in confronting one of society's most fundamental environmental challenges.
