Krzysztof Raczynski

Title: Assistant Research Professor
Time at GRI: 2 years
Hometown: Chelm, Poland

Q: What is your academic background?
I hold a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering (Hydrotechnical Engineering and Geoengineering) from Cracow University of Technology in Poland, and a PhD in Geography (Hydrology) from Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland.

Q: What are your research interests?
I study hydrologic extremes and geospatial patterns. Most of my work focuses on water resources, from floods to droughts—how they form, how they change over time and space, and what drives those changes. By combining spatial and statistical analysis with different modeling techniques, I try to better understand how our environment responds to change and how we can reduce risks and losses, especially in agriculture and industry.

Q: Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
My biggest inspiration was Stanislaw Weglarczyk, my statistics professor. At first, he was just “the stats teacher,” but when I met him again at a conference during my PhD, I saw a different side of him—a person truly fascinated by the environment, data, and language. He can play with words and ideas in an incredible way, writing sharp, thoughtful pieces in just a few minutes between sessions. Watching him in action convinced me that I wanted to stay in science.

Q: What has been your favorite project while working at GRI?
My favorite project has been developing a new way to quantify patterns in streamflow using modified harmonic models. That work became the starting point for a large study of fractal and chaotic behavior in river flows across the entire United States (including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). I’m trying to link environmental conditions with specific patterns that drive long-term recurrence of droughts and floods—it’s the most complex, multi-input analysis I’ve done so far.

Q: What is the coolest thing you are working on right now?
Right now, I’m mapping crop yield stability across 25 states using satellite imagery. I process terabytes of satellite data on our supercomputer to see which parts of agricultural fields consistently perform well and which parts are constantly underperforming. The goal is to help farmers target their mitigation practices, improve yields, and lower costs. The results are available in an interactive online dashboard here.

Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
After finishing my masters, before deciding to pursue a PhD, I lived for a year in Great Britain and worked as a Fine Weight Operative, preparing precise flavor mixes like broths, sauces, gravies, and spices. Before that, I also once vacuumed a cement plant—which is still my strangest work experience.

Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to give my inner engineer some freedom with tons of DIY projects, specially building things from wood, like furniture, and assembling detailed models and book nooks. I also enjoy taking a telescope outside the city to watch the night sky or play board games with my friends. More recently, I’ve become interested in creating computer games, which I’m still learning, but enjoying very much.