Ronda Strauch

Dr. Ronda Strauch is the Climate Change Research and Adaptation Advisor for Seattle City Light, the municipal electric utility that provides electricity for Seattle and some surrounding communities.

Dr. Strauch works in the Skagit to understand climate impacts and adaptation options mostly related to changing hydrology, landslides, and wildfire. Because the City of Seattle has hydroelectric facilities in the upper Skagit, she focuses on how climate change will affect these facilities and their ability to safely continue supporting flood protection, fish and wildlife populations, recreation opportunities, and hydroelectric power generation.

Prior to working at Seattle City Light, Dr. Strauch worked for the University of Washington and its Northwest Climate Science Center as well as local and federal agencies and consulting firms. Her research has focused on better predicting landslides in the Skagit, which can disrupt travel and harm people and infrastructure. She also studies changes in wildfire and hydrology and promotes actions designed to minimize adverse impacts on both built and natural resources now and in the future.

Research Interests

  • Climate adaptation strategies for built and natural resources

  • Integrating climate science into design, operations, and planning

  • Impacts of climate variability and climate change on hydrology, water resources, and disturbances

  • Climate impacts on hydropower and energy systems

  • Paleoclimatic precipitation and disturbance reconstruction

  • Sustainable resources management and climate change adaptation strategies

Education and Credentials

  • Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 2017

  • M.S., Ecosystem Analysis - Forestry, University of Washington, 1992

  • B.S., Environmental Planning and Management, University of California, Davis, 1989

Affiliations

  • Center for Energy Advancement through Technology Innovation (CEATI) – former Co-chair

  • Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) – Climate READi Co-Chair

Contact

Dr. Ronda Strauch

Climate Change Research and Adaptation Advisor

Science Policy Unit

Seattle City Light

700 Fifth Ave, Suite 3200

Seattle, WA 98104

Tel: 206-459-7550

Email: ronda.strauch@seattle.gov