Matthew C. Rigney
Matthew C. Rigney
Research Associate II
UAH
320 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone 256-961-7663
matthew.c.rigney@nasa.gov
Matt Rigney received his Bachelor of Science degree from Rice University in May of 2002 where he specialized in Applied Physics. As an undergraduate, he spent time with the Natelson Research Group focusing on nanophysics and the fabrication of single molecule/nanoscale transistors. His senior thesis was titled The Effect of Alkane Chains on the Stability of Nanoscale Gold Junctions. Following his undergraduate work, Mr. Rigney attended and completed his Master of Science degree at Texas A&M University. Under the tutelage of Dr. Fuqing Zhang, he worked extensively to characterize the non-Gaussianity of ensemble distributions. In addition, he showed that non-Gaussianity present in areas of moist dynamics have the ability to degrade solutions in sequential data assimilation schemes such as the ensemble Kalman filter. While part of the Zhang group, Mr. Rigney also contributed to data assimilation studies investigating the predictability of Hurricane Humberto (2007) and to data assimilation schemes using unique, storm-centered assimilation windows. Presently, Mr. Rigney is involved with developing a high-resolution MODIS/AMSR-E SST composite product and in implementing an ensemble Kalman filter assimilation scheme to explore the effect of assimilating QuikSCAT wind observations in regional forecasts.
-
Education
- Master of Science in Atmospheric Science (2009), Texas A&M University, Thesis: Ensemble Statistics and Error Covariance in a Rapidly Intensifying Hurricane
- Bachelor of Science in Physics (2006), Rice University, Senior Thesis: The Effect of Alkane Chains on the Stability of Nanoscale Gold Junctions
-
Positions
- Research Associate II (July 2009 - Present), SPoRT, Huntsville, AL
- Other Relevant Experience
- Attended 3rd Ensemble Data Assimilation Workshop, Marble Falls, TX; April 2008
- Attended 11th Symposium on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface (87th Annual AMS meeting), San Antonio, TX, January 2007
- Professional Societies:
- American Meteorological Society (2006-present)
