​Dr. Michael J. Hayes is a professor at the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, specializing in drought risk management, climate variability, and land-atmosphere interactions. With a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, he has over 30 years of experience in climate-related research and outreach. Dr. Hayes served as Director of the National Drought Mitigation Center and has led numerous international projects focused on drought monitoring, planning, and policy. His interdisciplinary work spans applied climatology, environmental hazards, and land use change, contributing significantly to both academic research and practical resilience strategies worldwide.