Ryoko Araki

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Hydrology at the Joint Program at San Diego State University & University of California, Santa Barbara, and I am also an inaugural cohort of the Quad Fellowship.

Soil moisture data is my passion, whether it’s measured from in-situ sensors or remotely sensed from satellite platforms. My primary interest lies in exploring the application of soil moisture data, such as understanding the hydrological processes at multiple spatio-temporal scales. I am also intrigued by the challenges of modeling these processes, and figuring out how to leverage research outcomes for flood and drought management under climate and land-use changes.

Outside of my office, I love hiking in the SoCal mountains and exploring the beautiful arid landscapes in the region. I am also a big fan of brewing third-wave coffees. Finally, I enjoy reading books on a wide variety of topics and learning as much as I can about the world around me.

Education

B.Eng. Civil Engineering


Kyoto University

2015 – 2019

Advisor: Dr. Takahiro Sayama at Disaster Prevention Research Institute

MSc. Watershed Science


San Diego State University

2019 – 2021

Advisor: Dr. Hilary McMillan
Committee: Dr. Hilary McMillan, Dr. Trent Biggs, Dr. Alicia Kinoshita

Ph.D. candidate in Hydrology


San Diego State University & UC Santa Barbara

2021 – Present

Advisor: Dr. Hilary McMillan, Dr. Kelly Caylor Committee: Dr. Hilary McMillan, Dr. Trent Biggs, Dr. Kelly Caylor, Dr. Naomi Tague

Work

Teaching Assistant


Kyoto University

2019

Laboratory Assistant


CW3E at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego

Summer 2020 & 2021

Summer Fellow


NOAA-OWP National Water Center

Summer 2023

Teaching Associate


San Diego State University

2019 – Present