Chima M.

Dr. Chima McGruder earned his PhD in astrophysics from the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, where he studied exoplanet atmospheres using transmission spectroscopy. He continued as a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard, focusing on maximizing scientific data from ground-based telescopes in support of JWST observations.

Driven by a desire to address climate challenges on Earth, he transitioned to climate science through the Climatebase fellowship, working on projects related to solar panel materials and microgrid optimization. In June 2025, he will join the Landbanking Group in Munich to develop a soil erosion model using geospatial climate and terrain data.

Outside of research, Dr. McGruder is dedicated to education and community work, tutoring with the nonprofit Onaketa since 2021.