Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is an internationally renowned expert in weather and climate science, serving as the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA). Dr. Shepherd is the Director of UGA’s Atmospheric Sciences Program and Associate Dean for Research at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on urban climate, hydrometeorological extremes, and climate risk communication, contributing significantly to the field and fostering climate awareness. In 2013, he served as President of the American Meteorological Society, and he is widely respected for his pioneering efforts in atmospheric science outreach.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shepherd has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the 2024 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communication and the 2023 Environmental Law Institute Award. His academic achievements include historic appointments to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, marking him as the only UGA faculty member elected to all three. These honors, coupled with awards from organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Meteorological Society, underscore his impact on both scientific and public communities.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Shepherd is a prominent voice on climate and weather issues, hosting "Weather" Geeks on The Weather Channel and contributing to Forbes Magazine. His expertise is frequently featured on major news platforms like CBS, CNN, and Fox News, and his TED Talks have amassed nearly 3 million views. He has briefed Congress on climate issues, advised top government agencies, and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post and Time Magazine. In 2023, Dr. Shepherd moderated a discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris on climate change. His commitment to public engagement extends to his advocacy for UGA's membership in the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), elevating the institution's role in atmospheric science research.

Dr. Shepherd holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in physical meteorology from Florida State University, where he became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in meteorology from the institution. He is also the second African American to serve as President of the American Meteorological Society. Outside his professional achievements, he is actively involved in education outreach, co-founding the Alcova Elementary Weather Science Chat series for young students. Dr. Shepherd, a Georgia native from Canton, is a committed family man who is married and has two children.