Scientific Research

Shay conducts experimental studies using platforms such as research aircraft (NOAA WP-3D, and Air Force WC-130J) to deploy oceanic and atmospheric sensors in hurricanes to examine the air-sea interactions in the oceanic and atmospheric boundary layers. The rationale is to unlock the key air-sea interaction processes involved in rapid intensification during hurricane passage by analyzing the data and assess both oceanic and coupled model performance. A key aspect is to implement an operational forecast model that has an active ocean coupled to an atmospheric model. During Deep Water Horizon, Shay’s research team mapped the Loop Current and eddy field from the NOAA WP-3D on 12 missions deploying more than 1000 sensors. These data were used by the operational centers to model the Loop Current and improve the trajectory or movement of subsurface hydrocarbons (and oil) from the 3-D ocean fields. A second aspect of Shay’s research is to use the HF radar remote sensing to measure currents, winds, and waves in real time to improve the understanding of the coastal circulation for a wide spectrum of activities such as search and rescue, pollutant dispersion, storm surge, and ship detection and tracking. These research avenues have societal relevance at their core. Shay’s laboratory does the basic and applied research to facilitate transitioning to operations and operational oceanography.

Service at UM and for the Wider Scientific Community

Shay’s research contributes to operational needs and hurricane intensity forecasting the National Hurricane Center that helps prepare the “U” in case of a hurricane. Within the Rosenstiel School and more specifically the Ocean Sciences Department, Shay led a team of scientists in putting together the first OCE Strategic Plan by merging three divisions that were in the school. Shay also represents the school in the NOAA IOOS program on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Regional Association and as an alternate member in the Florida Institute of Oceanography, a statewide oceanographic organization. Shay has also served on various review committees at the school and university levels and has served on the Faculty Senate and the School Council.

Lynn Keith Shay

Professor

University of Miami

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