JMRphoto

Joan Ramage Macdonald

Associate Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Faculty Director, ADVANCE Center

Lehigh University 

Dr. Joan Ramage Macdonald's research is on remote sensing of the cryosphere. She applies microwave satellite data to snow and glacier variations and hydrology in remote high latitude and mountain environments that are vulnerable to change. Her research has been funded by NASA, NSF, National Geographic, and the US Army. She is active in efforts to diversify STEM fields at Lehigh and beyond. Her work as ADVANCE Center Director fosters equity and success for faculty with an emphasis on removing barriers to success for historically minoritized faculty throughout STEM disciplines and academia in general. Dr. Ramage is an FAA-licensed unmanned aerial system (UAS) remote pilot. She is interested in UAS capabilities, limitations, and potential in the arenas of scientific and community use. Ramage brings UAS technology into the classroom and is a member of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company UAS Search and Rescue Team. She also brings environmental expertise to the public via county and township watershed programs. She currently serves as Chair of the USRA Council of Institutions and is on the leadership team fo  the Eastern Snow Conference. Ramage earned her Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Cornell University, an M.S. in Geosciences from The Pennsylvania State University, and a B.A. in Geology from Carleton College.

Contact Info

Email : ramage@lehigh.edu

Website : www.lehigh.edu/~jmr204/about.html

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/joan-ramage-macdonald

Phone : (610)758 - 6410

Office/Lab : STEPS 584 / STEPS 325B

Address : STEPS9A, 1 W. Packer Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA

Research interests

Microwave remote sensing of snow water equivalent and melt

Snow extent, depth, and melt status have implications for energy balance, hydrology, wildlife, hazards, and human systems.  Passive microwave sensors have a long, multi-decadal record of global daily observations. These observations work in darkness and cloud cover so they have importance for high latitude and stormy regions. We are using Calibrated Enhanced-resolution brightness temperatures (CETB) from the suite of SSMI, SSMIS, and AMSR sensors to measure snow water equivalent for the entire period of record, and improving tools for measuring snow melt timing over that time period and in near real time.     

Snow Properties and Caribou Migration

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) make major migrations in the spring, moving from southern wintering grounds to northerly calving areas. Some herds seem to have a close association in time between the spring migration departure and the onset of snow melt. We are currently working to understand how widespread this is and what factors impact the caribou timing.

Hyper- and Multi- Spectral Analysis of Subarctic Wetland Flora/Plant Functional Type

At northern latitudes where the effects of arctic amplification drive warming at twice the rates seen in lower latitudes, climate patterns drive complex feedback loops in wetland ecosystems. Reserves of ancient carbon locked into northern latitude soils are at risk of release under a rapidly changing climate. A key driver in soil carbon dynamics may be the shift from non-vascular to vascular plants; rates of carbon sequestration have been shown to be related to the distribution of vegetation type. We use remote sensing to map floristic gradients in high latitude peatlands in order to use vegetation characteristics to develop a baseline vegetation map of vulnerable peatlands. Monitoring detailed vegetation coverage and change can be a tool to understand change in the carbon storage in these remote landscapes. We used a variety of computational methods to combine field and remote sensing data into a sophisticated interpretation of the wetland characteristics in this region. We developed remote-sensing methods to scale from ground to airborne, and up to satellite resolution, to enable mapping and monitoring the changing patterns of northern wetland vegetation.

Teaching interests and Courses

Overview 

Classroom learning, field experience, and hands on data collection, analysis and writing are critical components of education. Students in my classes will have opportunities to collect and work with a broad suite of geographic and image data from the Lehigh Valley and the world. I often work with students on independent projects that we develop together. Beyond my experience teaching in the laboratory and classroom, I am involved in efforts to improve geoscience education more broadly. I am committed to continuously improving the climate and inclusivity of my own research group as well as the department and field. Please contact me via email if you are interested in getting involved in any of the research projects described above.

Lands of the Midnight Sun (EES090/EES014) 

Investigations of polar exploration and science, the environment at high latitudes, and cultures of the Arctic, as well as discussion of issues related to understanding interactions among extreme environments, global change, pollution, and indigenous cultures. Lecture, discussion, classroom activities. 

Geographic Information Systems (EES318) 

Techniques for acquisition, manipulation and integration of data in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, with emphasis on statistical and spatial analysis. Traditional and digital maps, spatial data collection and integration, geodesy concepts and time series analysis will be applied to case studies and projects relevant to Earth sciences, environmental sciences, and other disciplines according to the diversity of the audience. Different OS platforms and software will be used throughout the course. Includes lectures and laboratory exercises.

Introduction to Satellite Remote Sensing (EES325) 

Techniques of observing the Earth from air- and space-borne instruments, including issues of geometry and scale associated with making measurements, electromagnetic properties of Earth surface materials, the range of instruments used to observe the Earth, image interpretation, and applications of satellite remote sensing to geological, ecological, and environmental questions. Lecture and lab.

Advanced Remote Sensing (EES 457) 

Seminars and hands-on, quantitative analysis of specialized satellite and aircraft data, including microwave and hyperspectral sources, will be used to investigate significant environmental questions. Students will refine visual and technical skills for image interpretation, digital image processing, change detection of environmental systems, and presentation of spatial data. Required research project. Must have graduate standing in EES or consent of the instructor.