Omar Gates is a Climatologist for GLISA. Gates provides climate information and data to researchers and decision-makers throughout the Great Lakes region through a co-production approach. This approach involves working closely with practitioners in finding ways to have climate data supplement their work. As GLISA’s Tribal Liaison, he helps integrate climate science with Indigenous Knowledges for the adaptation practices of Great Lakes Tribal communities and organizations. These experiences cultivate the valuable lessons of maintaining the trust and strengthening relationships between Tribal Nations and GLISA.

Many of his contributions include the creation of the Great Lakes Adaptation Data Suite and resources summarizing the region’s climate trends. In addition to these resources, Gates participates in various conferences focusing on climate science and adaptation. He received his M.S. in Atmospheric Science and B.S.E. in Meteorology from the University of Michigan.