Dr. Weifeng (Gordon) Zhang
Associate Scientist with Tenure
Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering
Download CVContact Information:
Work: 508-289-2521
wzhang@whoi.edu
Building: Bigelow 201
Mailing Address:
266 Woods Hole Road, MS #11
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Research Interests
My research focuses on physical and biological processes in coastal oceans, including interactions of coastal flow features with topography and with processes in estuaries and the open ocean. I combine numerical models with observational analysis to improve the understanding of coastal ocean systems and the effect of natural and anthropogenic forces on the coastal environments that are directly connected to the well-being of our society. My research interests cover a broad range of topics in oceanography, including:
- Coastal ocean circulation
- Frontal dynamics
- Internal wave dynamics
- Polynya circulation
- Gravity currents
- Data assimilation
- Model-based observing system design
- Biophysical interactions
Professional Experiences
2018 – present Associate Scientist with Tenure, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
2015 – 2018 Associate Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
2011 – 2015 Assistant Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
2009 – 2011 Postdoctoral Scholar, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
2004 – 2009 Research Assistant, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University
Education
Ph.D., 2009, Oceanography, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
M.E., 2003, Fluid Mechanics, Zhejiang University, China
B.S., 2000, Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, China
Ongoing Research Topics
Antarctic coastal circulation and ice-shelf/ocean interaction
Mid-Atlantic Bight shelf and shelfbreak frontal dynamics and biophysical interaction
Effect of ocean currents and internal waves on coral reef ecology
Gulf Stream warm-core ring dynamics
Arctic Ocean circulation
Impact hydrodynamics on green crab invasion in the Salish Sea
Postdoc and Student Opportunities
Oct 2023: I am interested in collaborating with postdocs with a strong background in mathematics and a great passion for oceanography. Please contact me if you are interested.