Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld

Professor

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Biography

Kirsten Zickfeld is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University. With a focus on Climate Science, her research explores the effects of anthropogenic emissions on greenhouse gases and aerosols over multi-centennial timescales. Her aim is to understand the climate system’s response to forcing interactions among various components including the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, biosphere, and cryosphere, thereby improving future climate predictions. Zickfeld’s research has delved into themes such as the potential reversibility of human-induced climate change, particularly regarding the ability to restore the climate system to a desired state should greenhouse emissions be completely eliminated. Additionally, her work examines the concept of carbon budgets and feedback mechanisms that could either attenuate or exacerbate global warming. Zickfeld also actively engages in education, teaching courses on weather, climate systems, and climate change, preparing future scholars to tackle pressing climate issues. She invites students to engage in innovative research within the Climate Research Lab at Simon Fraser University.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2020-09-01 — Present

Simon Fraser University • Burnaby, BC, Canada

Currently holds the position of Professor in the Department of Geography.

Associate Professor

2015-09-01 — 2020-08-31

Simon Fraser University • Burnaby, BC, Canada

Served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography.

Assistant Professor

2010-08-01 — 2015-08-31

Simon Fraser University • Burnaby, BC, Canada

Worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography.

Research Scientist

2008-11-01 — 2010-07-31

Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis • Victoria, BC, Canada

Conducted research on climate modeling.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

2006-01-01 — 2008-01-01

University of Victoria • Victoria, BC, Canada

Engaged in postdoctoral research in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

2004-01-01 — 2005-01-01

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research • Potsdam, Germany

Completed postdoctoral research focusing on climate impacts.

Requirements for Simon Fraser University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:93
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field
Application Checklist
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Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy