Bill Sacks Email & Phone Number

Boulder, Co

Software Engineer working on the Community Earth System Model (CESM)I design and implement software infrastructure to enable new scientific capabilities in the Community Terrestrial Systems Model (CTSM) and the ice sheet component of the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Recent projects include adding water isotopes to CTSM, re-engineering CTSM hydrology code to facilitate incorporating alternative science parameterizations, and providing technical guidance in the development of a new coupler between CTSM and atmospheric models. Previous work included coupling a parallel ice sheet model to CESM, including implementing two-way coupling between the model’s ice sheet and land components.In addition, I have led – and continue to lead – code modernization efforts for CTSM, including the introduction of unit tests and object orientation in order to better modularize the code and support alternative parameterizations.

Helped develop a data assimilation system for the Community Land Model (CLM) within the Community Earth System Model (CESM).

Assisted with the development of a decision support system for understanding the effects of land use on ecosystem services. Provided ecosystem model development, with an emphasis on crop modeling, as well as general programming support. Implemented multi-threading capabilities, better error-checking, and new input / output functionality.

Major projects included data assimilation in a terrestrial carbon flux model, and modeling and measurement work related to the Airborne Carbon in the Mountains Experiment.

Conducted land surface modeling and remote sensing research on the effects of an insect outbreak on local climate in the Siberian boreal forest.

Constructed a terrestrial carbon flux model and conducted research on parameter optimization using eddy covariance data.

Conducted computer science research on vision and obstacle avoidance in robot soccer

Ba, Computer Science, Environmental Studies

Activities and Societies: Rude Cider, Dancing Folk, Outing Club, Purple Bike Coalition

Phd, Environment & Resources

Dissertation research investigated interactions between agricultural management and climate, through climate and land surface modeling.