Kevin Rennert was the 2008-2009 AMS-UCAR Congressional Science Fellow. During his fellowship year, Kevin will be working with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He recently completed his Ph. D. at the University of Washington in Atmospheric Science. Kevin's doctoral research focused on the impacts of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and permafrost, as well as on the role that extreme weather events play in affecting more slowly varying patterns of temperature and precipitation. His current research uses climate models to understand rapid climate changes of the past and to determine their relevance for today's climate. Prior to pursuing his doctorate, Kevin spent 3 years supporting high-energy Physics experiments at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) as a technician and software engineer, and earned a degree in Physics from Grinnell College. He is an avid backpacker and kayaker, and photographer.