Matthew Little

Conducted water resource inventories and prepared data for application in land management planning processes.
Prepared and directed implementation of water resource improvement project plans.
Aided in assessing water resource capability and suitability and identified goals, issues, and concerns for water resource management.
Evaluated and documented results of National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act procedures in federal wildland and plantation settings impacted by human activity.
Contributed to interdisciplinary team efforts to improve forest and wetland hydrologic function.
Created ArcMap documents for data analysis and visualization.

Wrote and directed exams for the Texas State Science Olympiad Meteorology Event.
Supervised event volunteers to ensure exam integrity and accurate grading on strict deadlines.
Directed Meteorology Event workshops.
Developed and regularly updated a website designed to help students, coaches, and parents prepare for the Science Olympiad Meteorology Event and to encourage further education.
Reviewed, edited, and judged student tests, research papers, and presentations at science events in other primary and secondary education programs.

Managed jobs in a high-performance computing environment, maintained and debugged Simple Ocean Data Assimilation system, and reviewed system output.
Developed Bash scripts and modified Fortran code to automate processes.
Transferred organized data in Linux command line interface environments.
Conducted and shared literature reviews and progress reports at research team meetings.

DEVELOP National Program at NASA Ames Research Center
Received NASA Group Achievement Award for outstanding support of agency programs that help the field centers and neighboring communities plan for and adapt to the impacts of climate change
Analyzed Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System output to estimate regional atmospheric and environmental effects of climate change in California.
Developed IDL code for data analysis, organization, and visualization.
Presented results at NASA events and professional conferences (AGU, AMS, and ASPRS).
Conducted literature reviews and shared weekly progress reports with internal teams.
Created formal reports, presentations, and products according to strict deadlines.

- Input data for weather conditions and marine vessel locations
- Alerted superiors when vessels encountered hazardous conditions

Projects: [1] Wind Climatology and [2] Emissions Simulations
[1] Analyzed Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces model output to estimate ideal wind turbine location in the California Bay Area.
[1] Developed IDL, Fortran, and Bash code to automate data ingest, processing, and data visualizations.
[2] Developed a model relating university commuter student CO2 emissions to course modes.
[2] Developed MATLAB and IDL model code, output analysis, and output visualization scripts.
[1 and 2] Created literature reviews, technical reports, presentations, and journal paper.

Analyzed consumer purchasing pattern information using SPSS statistical software package.
Presented results to professional and academic audiences.
Conducted literature reviews and shared weekly progress reports and issues with other teams.

Organized tutoring sessions which helped raise students class rankings by an average of 10%.
Led semiweekly group and individual tutoring sessions and made lesson plans.
Presented mathematics tutoring techniques at regional conferences to education professionals.

The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Pathfinder (CPF) consists of a reflected solar (RS) spectrometer that will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in the December 2023 timeframe and will be operational for at least one year. CPF's two main mission objectives are to provide RS climate observations with unprecedented accuracy and to serve as an on-orbit intercalibration reference for the Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and the Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). The HyperSpectral Imager for Climate Science (HySICS), developed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, references Earth scenes to measurements of the Sun to achieve an SI-traceable radiometric uncertainty of 0.3% (1-sigma), a reduction by a factor of five to ten compared to existing orbiting RS instruments. CPF will provide a unique view of Earth with its combination of measurement capabilities: unprecedented radiometric uncertainty, spectral range of 350-2300 nm, spectral resolution of less than 6 nm (with 3nm spectral sampling), and spatial sampling of approximately 0.5 km at nadir. We will discuss the versatility of CPF measurements, their anticipated impact on monitoring Earth's climate variability, and the novelty of the calibration and intercalibration approaches.

American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting; Student Poster Session; ABSTRACT -- This work uses the Weather Research and Forecasting model to project how precipitation patterns may change under a warmer climate in the Southeast United States (SE US). Two simulations are performed using boundary conditions from the 6-hourly 0.5 degree Global Forecasting System (GFS) reanalysis data and daily 0.5 degree Real-Time Global Sea Surface Temperature High Resolution data. The first simulation, used as a control in this experiment, models weather in the SE US from March – June in 2009, and is used to represent the seasonal current climate in the region. The second simulation is performed using a pseudo-global warming method assuming an RCP8.5 future climate scenario, using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 multi-model mean temperature anomalies to adjust GFS reanalysis temperature variable values, to model a warmer climate estimated as the 2090 – 2100 decade. Changes in precipitation organization in the warmer climate will be analyzed within a framework which separates precipitation features into two classifications, isolated and mesoscale, depending on whether the precipitation feature is greater or less than 100 km in contiguous horizontal length. This analysis will identify if there are changes in the convective season onset date, and/or in precipitation patterns according to precipitation classification, as well as identify mechanisms that influence precipitation pattern changes in the SE US.

Published in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education; Peer Reviewed Journal Paper; ABSTRACT -- Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between hybrid classes (where a per cent of the class meetings are online) and transportation-related CO2 emissions at a commuter campus similar to San José State University (SJSU). Design/methodology/approach – Acomputer model was developed to calculate the number of trips to campus for a student body similar to SJSU. Different scenarios considered the theoretical effectiveness of implementing a hybrid course system to reduce CO2 emissions. Findings – Increases in hybrid courses resulted in decreased student trips to campus and associated CO2 emissions. The utility of such a relationship is demonstrated through a case study where the required increase in online class meetings needed to eliminate the need for an overflow parking lot is studied. Finally, preferential scheduling of online meetings can further reduce trips to campus. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the model is that student schedules are random. Future research could use actual student schedules to better model how online course delivery will affect trips to campus. Practical implications – As today’s universities struggle with financial pressure, online course delivery is being offered as a way to cope. This analysis provides an additional metric to evaluate online courses and includes other potential financial savings. Social implications – Transportation contributes to local air pollution and emissions of heat-trapping gases. As universities move toward more sustainable behaviors, reducing automobile trips to campus can be seen as a priority. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to model the relationship between hybrid courses and CO2 emissions at an urban university. This information will be valuable to the SJSU community, as well as many other institutions.

A presentation for a class based on a paid research project; ABSTRACT -- The goal of this study was to analyze the winds in the Bay Area of California to determine additional locations for wind turbine placement for power generation. A synoptic analysis was done to determine what can be expected from the study, and the Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces model was used to provide data for analysis. IDL was used to plot the output data onto a map of the Bay Area. Flow patterns and relative maximums were found to be consistent with the synoptic analysis and literature on past studies. However, the modeled absolute wind speeds were not consistent with literature. Due to this, additional locations for wind turbines were not able to be determined at this time; further investigation is required.

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Conference; Proceedings Paper; ABSTRACT -- The study of climate change is important because it is essential that potential problems are identified and mitigated in order to minimize their impact on NASA Ames in accordance with the NASA policy statement on adapting to climate change, and to help achieve the goals of the Climate Adaptation Science Investigation Team (CASI). This project analyzes results from the TOPS model which was run at 1km resolution for the time period 1950-2099 using downscaled GFDL climate projection data for the continental United States. The impacts of climate change on ecosystems are investigated in and around NASA Ames using the TOPS model under the A1B and A2 scenarios for California. The state data were divided into climate zones and watersheds, and for each zone a statistical analysis was completed for temperature, precipitation, gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), soil runoff, and vapor pressure deficit. The analysis in this report is limited to the climatology and ecology of the Coyote Watershed near NASA Ames Research Center. Trends produced from this analysis show changes in climate (annual rainfall, dry season length, temperature) and changes to ecosystem functions (GPP, ET, runoff) due to land cover changes.

American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting; Poster Session; ABSTRACT -- This project analyzes results from the Terrestrial Observation and Predictions System (TOPS) model, which incorporates the A1B and A2 IPCC scenarios for climate and land use projections from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) global climate model. The California data is broken up into climate regions and watersheds of interest, and for each zone a statistical analysis is completed for climatological and ecological variables. Impacts on ecological variables are analyzed both under climate change scenarios only and coupled climate/land use change scenarios. Trends produced from this analysis show that increases in maximum and minimum temperatures lead to declines in peak GPP, length of growing seasons, and overall declines in runoff. However, changes in climate coupled with increases in impervious area due to intense urbanization are associated with an increase in winter runoff in scenario A2. The analysis is in support of the Climate Adaptation Science Investigation at NASA Ames Research Center, which is located within the Coyote Watershed of California. One result for this watershed shows that with projections of increased temperatures and increased urbanization there would be an extended dry summer season, which could threaten water availability. To counter this risk at NASA Ames Research Center, a study of the irrigation system was done to evaluate the amount of total water used for irrigation, and possible options for water conservation at the Center are considered to build a sustainable facility in a changing environment.

American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting; 3 Poster session; ABSTRACT -- This project analyzes results from the Terrestrial Observation and Predictions System (TOPS) model. This report focuses on the A1B and A2 IPCC climate and land use projections for California. The state data is broken up into climate regions and watersheds of interest, and for each zone a statistical analysis is completed for climatological and ecological variables. Impacts on ecological variables are analyzed under both A1B and A2 climate change scenarios only and coupled climate/land use change scenarios. Trends produced from this analysis show changes in climate, and changes in ecosystem functions due to projected increased land. Fieldwork involving landscape irrigation at NASA Ames Research Center was done to understand current water use and explore conservation options in support of goals of water sustainability at the center.

Closeout presentation of summer work at the NASA Ames campus. Summarizes work done, conclusions found, and what next steps in future work can be performed by subsequent teams.

Local poster session following volunteer work on a research project leading to a paid research project and the paper in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education in another entry in this list; BACKGROUND/ABSTRACT -- Our hypothesis is that implementing online classes as a method of delivering instruction to students will reduce the amount of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). A realistic scenario would be a hybrid mode of delivery, meaning that some of each classes meetings are on campus and some are offline. This study is being done to determine what percentage of classes must adopt this method, and on average, what percent of class meetings would have to be online in the classes that adopt a mixed mode instruction method to make a significant impact on the amount of trips students make to campus.

One of a series of presentations in the mathematics department in the "What is...?" seminar; ABSTRACT -- The Lorenz system was developed by Edward Lorenz in an attempt to provide a simplified model for convective motions in the atmosphere. The system has led to many mathematical advances in the fields of chaos theory and dynamical systems. It also introduced the now classic visual example of chaotic behavior and attractors of dynamical systems. A general explanation of the system will be given, as well as a brief conceptual introduction to chaos theory and attractors, and how they relate to the Lorenz system. An emphasis on meteorological applications will also be provided.

Local poster session following a summer internship in mathematics/statistics at California State University Long Beach; ABSTRACT -- A two-month nutritional study involving an on-campus restaurant, the Nugget, was conducted. The 5,043 food orders from the anonymous customer’s were recorded between 11:00A.M. and 2:00P.M. (lunch time) and used in the research. The purpose of the study was to determine the type of items ordered together, the items that contributed most to the customer’s nutritional intake (calories, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, and fat), and the change in overall ordering patterns due to the availability of a nutritional information pamphlet (displayed on the counter near the register). It was expected that certain items, such as hamburgers and French fries would be ordered together. It was also expected that high fat items would decrease in sales while low fat items would become more popular given the availability of the nutritional information. French fries, alcohol and burgers are still popular to order at the Nugget. However, certain healthy items showed statistically significant increases in volume. For example, there was an increase in orders of veggie pizzas, bottled water, honey mustard dressing, veggie burgers, and turkey burgers. SPSS was used to analyze the dataset. Correlation, decision trees, and performing tests for statistical significance were used to produce the results.