Rafael Soutelino joins MetOcean Solutions

We are delighted to welcome back Dr Rafael Soutelino to MetOcean Solutions. 

As a physical oceanographer specialising in modelling and analysis of ocean dynamics, he will be joining our MetOcean Research and Development team, based in Raglan. In his role, he will work on developing software to support MetOcean’s operational forecast systems.  

“We are delighted to have Rafael back to the team,” says Andre Lobato, MetOcean’s Scientific Development & Operations Manager. “His prior experience at MetOcean and his Physical Oceanography expertise are key elements that will help us to continue developing cutting-edge products and maintaining our scientific integrity.” 

At MetOcean Solutions, Rafael first started in 2014 running and analysing hydrodynamical hindcasts and forecasts to support consultancy and development projects for coastal and offshore applications. Later, he has led the day-to-day management of MetOcean’s distributed ocean/atmospheric operational forecast systems using micro-service-based architecture. 

Rafael has a PhD in Physical Oceanography from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and carried out most of his studies at the University of Massachussetts, Dartmouth, in the US. His PhD research investigated mesoscale ocean dynamics through numerical modelling and data analysis.  

With over a decade of experience in ocean modelling and scientific programming, Rafael’s passion is applying modern information technology to break down complex science problems into simple decision-making tools, focused on end-users. He strives to design and develop systems that are modular, resilient, and agile to maintain and upgrade, enabling rapid deployment of the latest science. 

“I’m excited to be back at MetOcean,” says Rafael. “The group provides a dynamic work environment full of talented scientists, developers and engineers. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team in achieving their goals while doing what I have passion for, which is facilitating the application of the latest science into real-world problems and guiding people into making optimal decisions based on ocean/weather information.”