Robert Sanchez

Robert (Bobby) Sanchez, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Climate and Mathematics. He holds a joint appointment with the Mathematics Department and the Hixon Center for the Climate and Environment. Sanchez earned his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). Prior to starting at Harvey Mudd, he held an NSF postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida and SIO.

Sanchez uses a combination of field observations, oceanographic theory, and mathematical models to investigate coastal ocean dynamics. His research primarily focuses on understanding estuary processes such as mixing, residence time, and salt exchange. He is particularly interested in understanding how non-traditional estuaries such as glacial fjords in Greenland and drought-sensitve bays in Southern California are likely to evolve under climate change. In both his courses and research, he utilizes mathematical models of fluid flow ranging from analytical solutions of simplified differential equations to computationally intensive numerical simulations. He is excited to introduce students to the fascinating field of oceanography and to demonstrate how mathematics can be applied to climate and environmental science.