My research focuses on investigating kinematic and microphysical processes in orographic precipitation and tornadic thunderstorms and how these processes affect precipitation characteristics, precipitation quantity, and the development of severe weather. In particular, I am interested in studying how the interaction between kinematics and microphysics at small spatial scales (100 m to 5 km) influence precipitation enhancement that will lead to flash floods and tornadoes. In addition I am also studying precipitation variability and the linkage to atmospheric circulation for assessing the impact of climate change on precipitation in mountains and validating regional and global climate models. My particular area of expertise deals with remote-sensing and precipitation instruments in particular surface and airborne radars, satellites, disdrometers, vertical-pointing microwave radars, and rain gauges.
ATOC 1050 - Weather and the Atmosphere
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Introduces principles of modern meteorology for nonscience majors, with emphasis on scientific and human issues associated with severe weather events. Includes description, methods of prediction, and impacts of blizzards, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and firestorms.
ATOC 3050 - Principles of Weather
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2022
Explores the processes that influence middle latitude weather including atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud and precipitation processes, atmospheric dynamics, air masses and fronts, and mid-latitude cyclones. Recitations and homework assignments will allow students to apply these concepts to real weather data through analysis of weather maps, thermodynamics diagrams and conceptual models. Recommended prerequisites: ATOC 1050 or ATOC major.
ATOC 3180 - Aviation Meteorology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2024
Familiarizes students with a wide range of atmospheric behavior pertinent to air travel: rudiments of aerodynamics; aircraft stability and control; atmospheric circulation, vertical motion, turbulence and wind shear; fronts, clouds and storms. Recommended prerequisite: ATOC 1050 or ATOC major.
ATOC 4020 - Seminar in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Explores current research areas; students read selected papers, give presentations and participate in discussions; fellowship and internship opportunities; discussion on practical skills necessary for academic and professional life; career-building activities with outside speakers from academia and industry. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours within the degree as long as the topic is different. May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours within a semester.
ATOC 4500 - Special Topics in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences - Upper Division
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Acquaints students at the upper division level with current research in atmospheres, oceans, and climate. Topics may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 18 total credit hours within the degree as long as the topic is different. Students may register for more than one section of this course in the same semester. Recommended restriction: students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
ATOC 4550 - Mountain Meteorology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Fall 2019 / Summer 2020 / Summer 2021 / Summer 2022 / Summer 2023 / Spring 2024 / Summer 2024
Investigating main processes that control weather and climate in the western United States and other mountain ranges around the world is the emphasis of this course. Provides an advanced survey of synoptic, mesoscale, and microscale meteorology in complex terrain including orographically modified cyclone evolution, front-mountain interactions, terrain and thermally driven flows, mountain waves, downslope winds, and orographic precipitation. Recommended prerequisite: ATOC 1050 or ATOC major. Same as ATOC 5550.
ATOC 4710 - Introduction to Atmospheric Physics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2024
Provides a fundamental overview of the physics of Earth's atmosphere. Topics include atmospheric composition and structure, atmospheric radiation and optics (rainbows, halos and other phenomena), atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics and atmospheric electricity and lightning. Including both descriptive and quantitative approaches to the subject material. Where applicable, observations from the ATOC Skywatch Observatory will be introduced. Recommended prerequisite: one year of calculus and one year of physics with calculus.
ATOC 4990 - Internship
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
This course is designed to provide junior and senior ATOC majors with the opportunity to work hands-on in the community and to gain practical knowledge and experience in both research and industry. Participation in the program requires both on-site and academic work. Recommended restriction: Students should have junior or senior standing (at the time of the internship) and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
ATOC 5550 - Mountain Meteorology
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Summer 2019 / Fall 2019 / Summer 2020 / Summer 2021 / Summer 2022 / Summer 2023 / Spring 2024 / Summer 2024
Investigating main processes that control weather and climate in the western United States and other mountain ranges around the world is the emphasis of this course. Provides an advanced survey of synoptic, mesoscale, and microscale meteorology in complex terrain including orographically modified cyclone evolution, front-mountain interactions, terrain and thermally driven flows, mountain waves, downslope winds, and orographic precipitation. Same as ATOC 4550.
ATOC 5600 - Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Aerosols
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Examines the physics and chemistry of clouds and aerosols in the planetary atmospheres, where they impact climate, atmospheric chemistry, remote sensing and weather. Applies basic microphysical, radiative and chemical processes affecting particles to issues in current literature. Recommended prerequisite: one semester of college-level chemistry and calculus-based physics and math up through differential equations. ATOC graduate core course.
ATOC 6020 - Seminar in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Studies an area of current research in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Students read selected papers from the literature. Students and faculty give presentations and participate in discussions. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours within the degree. May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours within a semester.
