Kiyomi Morino obtained her PhD degree from the University of Arizona, Department of Geography and Regional Development in 2008. Since graduating, she has primarily focused on research related to integrating science and policy, particularly with respect to western water issues. In one project, she is working with colleagues to develop novel ways of exploring future climate change impacts on the Colorado River using tree-ring based reconstructions of streamflow. Her areas of expertise include dendrochronology, ecophysiology, and Colorado River water policy.