Scott Curtis, III, Ph.D., the Dr. John Lining Professor of Physics
Director for the Lt. Col. James B. Near Jr., ’77, Center for Climate Studies
Curtis is the Dr. John Lining Professor of Physics and the inaugural director of the Lt. Col. James B. Near Jr. ’77, Center for Climate Studies at The Citadel.
He came to The Citadel from East Carolina University (ECU), in North Carolina, where he was titled Distinguished Professor in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. During his time at ECU he acquired close to $1.4 million in grants and fellowships.
Curtis’s research centers on tropical climate variability with an emphasis on precipitation and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. He earned a Ph.D. and a Master of Science, both in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, from the University of Wisconsin. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from University of Virginia.
Some of his distinctions include named Center for Sustainability Outstanding Affiliate Faculty Member from ECU, and the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers Research Award.
Additionally, Curtis has authored more than 150 books, book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and scientific white papers for presentations. He is engaged frequently to speak around the nation on issues including climate change, coastal water hazards, and flooding. Curtis has participated as an editor for five scientific journals.