Dr Joanne Waller
Jo develops next-generation observation processing code and works on optimising the assimilation of surfaced-based observations. She works in the Assimilation of Surface-Based Observations Group based in the MetOffice@Reading.
Areas of expertise
- Data assimilation
- Uncertainty quantification
- Novel observations
- Observation impact
Current activities
Currently, Jo’s work is focused on the development of the Met Office’s next-generation processing and assimilation code as part of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) framework. She is responsible for the next-generation surface observation processing and development of variational bias correction. Jo’s research is focused on optimising the assimilation of surfaced based observations via improved observation uncertainty quantification and increased observation density. Her recent research considers the impact of assimilating denser radar observations and more frequent roadside sensor observations in the UKV. She is also investigating new methods that allow the efficient assimilation of observations with spatially correlated errors. Additionally, Jo has interests in novel observations, including assessing if WOW observations may be suitable for assimilation, as well as an interest in developing observation impact measures for convective scale data assimilation.
Career background
Jo joined the Met Office in September 2019. Prior to joining the Met Office, she first obtained an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Southampton in 2008. She then completed an MSc in Mathematical and Numerical Modelling of the Atmospheres and Oceans and a PhD on "Using Observations at Different Spatial Scales in Data Assimilation for Environmental Prediction", both at the University of Reading. After completing her degree, Jo worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Reading, looking at the Flooding from Intense Rainfall and Data Assimilation for the Resilient City projects. Her main research focus was improving the treatment of observations in data assimilation.
External recognition
Jo was awarded the Royal Meteorological Society's L F Richardson Prize in 2019.