Cristina Forbes, Ph.D.
Oceanographer
USGS Office of Search and Rescue
Friday, September 11, 2026, 3:10 p.m.
Chase 105
Dr. Cristina Forbes, an oceanographer with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Search and Rescue, will be the speaker at next Friday's Ocean Seminar. Meanwhile, for a story featuring some of the technology that Dr. Forbes will speak about, tune into Michael Lewis’ “Against the Rules” podcast that includes the story behind the development of the USCG SAROPS software that saved the life of someone miles off the coast of California.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp5bSz6y-5I&list=PLhVrD_NHW_xblNuffQ4QCMyMRwh4j_Xdb&index=50
BIO
Dr. Cristina Forbes is the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Office of Search and Rescue oceanographer. She received her Ph.D. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the University of Miami. Through her career she has worked in academia, private companies and government agencies developing algorithms in atmospheric, ocean and storm surge numerical prediction models, processing large geophysical datasets, performing statistical analysis, and model verifications. For the past years, she has applied her expertise, knowledge and skills to support several aspects of the USCG search and rescue (SAR) program. She works with national and international government agencies, institutions and universities to improve SAR and serves as Advisory Board Member and Scientific Evaluation Contributor in various oceanographic and meteorological projects for the benefit of the USCG SAR mission.