About Me

I'm a postdoctoral research scientist in physical oceanography at Stony Brook University. I am interested in the interactions between biological and physical systems as well as the exchange and redistribution of physical properties between ocean basins. During my graduate study my research focused on the ocean heat flux through one of the bottlenecks in global ocean circulation - the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). I investigated how the ITF transfers Pacific Ocean heat into the Indian Ocean- specifically how this “Pacific heat” is distributed in the IndianOcean and how it impacts air-sea interaction and regional climate. I used a combination of in-situ measurements, from moorings, CTDs, XBTs, and Argo floats as well as satellite observations and reanalysis data, to investigate the interannual variability in heat flux through the Makassar Strait and upper ocean heat content within the tropical Indian Ocean.  Currently I am working on understanding bio-physical interactions within the New York Bight.   I am interested in how changes in physical properties such as the temperature/salinity stratification affect biological systems. I have experience at sea, in research computing and data analysis, and in classroom teaching, science outreach, and mentorship.

Ph.D. Ocean Climate Physics 2021
M.Phil Ocean Climate Physics 2019
M.A. Ocean Climate Physics 2017
Columbia University, New York, NY
Advisor: Arnold L. Gordon

B.A. Earth Science 2012
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Recent Publications

Weisberg, S.J., S.M. Roberts, L.K. Gruenburg, T.G. Schwemmer, T. Menz, I.F. Fenwick, J.A. Nye, and R.G. Asch. in press. Gulf Stream Intrusions Associated with Extreme Seasonal Fluctuations among Larval Fishes. Marine Ecology Progress Series

Gruenburg, L.K., A.L. Gordon, and A.M. Thurnherr. 2023. Indonesian Throughflow partitioning between the Leeuwin and South Equatorial Currents. Journal of Physical Oceanography 53 2159-2170, https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-22-0205.1

Sprintall, J., A. Biastoch, L.K. Gruenburg, and H.E. Phillips. 2022. Ocean Basin Connections. In: The Indian Ocean and its role in the global climate system. , ed. by C.C. Ummenhofer, and R.R. Hood, Raleigh. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, n.n.. ISBN 978-0-12-822698-8

Li, M., D. Yuan, A.L. Gordon, L.K. Gruenburg, X. Li, R. Li, X. Yin, Y. Yang, C. Corvianatie, J. Wei, and S. Yang. 2021. A Strong sub-thermocline intrusion of the North Equatorial Subsurface Current into the Makassar Strait in 2016-2017. Geophysical Research Letters https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL092505.

Li, M., A.L. Gordon, L.K. Gruenburg, J. Wei, and S. Yang. 2020. Interannual to decadal response of the Indonesian Throughflow verical profile to Indo-Pacific forcing. Geophysical Research Letters. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087679.

A.L. Gordon, A. Napitu, B.A. Huber, L.K. Gruenburg, K. Pujiana, T. Agustiadi, A. Kuswardani, N. Mbay, and A. Setiawan. 2019. Makassar Strait Throughflow Seasonal and Interannual Variability, an Overview. JGR Oceans https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JC014502

Gruenburg, L.K., and A.L. Gordon. 2018. Variability in Makassar Strait heat flux and its effect on the eastern tropical Indian Ocean. Oceanography 31(2), https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2018.220

Li, M., A.L. Gordon, J. Wei, L.K. Gruenburg, and G. Jiang. 2018. Multi-decadal timeseries of the Indonesian Throughflow. Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans 81(2018) 84-95, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dynatmoce.2018.02.001

Google Scholar

photos from the field and science outreach

Projects (Under Construction)