ASRC Spotlight

Lauriana Gaudet

Expected PhD completion date: July 2021
Advised by Dr. Kara Sulia

Research focus: Numerical representations of cloud microphysics and their impact on ensemble-based forecast uncertainty

Dissertation title: “Identifying the Microphysical Sensitivities of Mesoscale and Synoptic Precipitation Using an Ensemble Framework”

What influenced you to study atmospheric sciences? Ever since I was a toddler, I have been intrigued by thunderstorms. This desire to stand in the blustery wind (before quickly ushered back inside by my parents) and watch every lightning strike was stoked even further by the movie Twister. I honestly didn’t know that a weather-focused career was an option outside of broadcast meteorology. Once I learned about those other opportunities and that studying atmospheric sciences involved math and physics at nearly every turn, I was hooked.

What do you hope to accomplish in terms of research goals? It is fascinating to me that we can approximate atmospheric processes through models, whether they are composed of countless empirical relationships or developed through artificial intelligence techniques. Through my Ph.D., I have contributed new insights into the impacts of cloud microphysics on precipitation forecast uncertainty and in the upcoming part of my career I hope to continue to expand this work to explore how to use these existing uncertainties to a forecast’s advantage.

What is your most recent achievement/award? I recently won the 2021 People’s Choice Award in the Three Minute Thesis Competition held here at the University at Albany, SUNY. Summarizing my research into an easily digestible and relatable summary was challenging, but the process taught me an immense deal about why science communication is so integral, especially in the field of atmospheric sciences.

Who do you aspire to be in the ATM scientific community? I aspire to be an active learner of newfound knowledge, applications, and tools and be an inclusive, kind scientist who others in the field can always rely on.

What inspiring message would you share with young aspiring female scientists who are just starting (think K-12) their academic career is the sciences? Stay curious, ask questions, don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”, ask for help if you need it, and reach out to female scientists who inspire you. Like me, you may be scared to fail at something that is new to you, but with the mentorship of women who were once in your shoes you may find yourself running toward exciting opportunities instead of shying away.

ASRC In The News

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  UAlbany Atmospheric Scientists Lead DOE Project to Enhance Offshore Wind Research Buoys

  As the US aims to meet 100 percent renewable energy goals by 2050, there’s a massive, underutilized energy source that can help it get there – offshore wind. A new collaborative project led by researchers at UAlbany's Atmospheric Sciences Research Center could soon offer a new approach to tap into this vast amount of renewable energy.
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  UAlbany Announced as Partner on $208 Million NOAA Severe Weather Research Institute

  The University at Albany has been selected to partner on a NOAA Severe Weather Research Institute that comes with an award of up to $208 million over the next five years. “We very much look forward to being a part of this critically-needed, high-impact initiative,” said Chris Thorncroft, who directs the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, NYS Mesonet and Center of Excellence in Weather & Climate Analytics.
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  ASRC Falconer Series Goes Virtual for First Time in 60 Years

  UAlbany’s longest-running public science lecture series will continue this semester – just in a different format. The ASRC Falconer Lecture Series, which launched in 1962, features academics and practitioners who are engaged in societally interesting and beneficial projects of our day. It is usually offered twice a year, a spring version on the Uptown Campus and a summer version 5,000 feet above sea level at the Whiteface Mountain Field Station.
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  Atmospheric Scientists Discuss the Texas Power Crisis

  An unusual blast of winter weather in Texas caused mass power outages, home damage and food shortages. More than 4.3 million people were left in the dark without heat (some for several days) as state leaders scrambled to fix the electrical grid failures. UAlbany is home to the largest concentration of atmospheric, climate and environmental researchers. They discuss the Texas power crisis.
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  UAlbany harnessing artificial intelligence for winter storm forecasts

  A group of researchers at the University at Albany would like New Yorkers to think of winter snow storms when they hear the term AI. The school’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center just received a $2.4 million, five-year National Science Foundation grant to explore and develop ways that AI can better track and predict winter storms.
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  Researchers at UAlbany using AI to improve winter weather forecasts

  Researchers at the University at Albany are using artificial intelligence to improve our understanding of winter weather. They're part of a new institute set up by the National Science Foundation.
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  ASRC Researchers to Develop AI Solutions for Winter Weather at New $20 Million Institute

  UAlbany will focus on winter weather at NSF's new Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate and Coastal Oceanography.
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  ASRC Researchers Explore New York’s 100 Percent Renewables Goal

  An assessment on what it will take for New York to reach the renewable energy goals in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act!
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  NYS Mesonet Launches Official Mobile App

  In partnership with the University’s xCITE (ExTREME Collaboration, Innovation, & TEchnology) laboratory, the New York State Mesonet has released an official mobile application – available for download in Apple and Google Play stores.
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  A Look Inside the xCITE Laboratory

  “There’s a gap between collecting research data and being able to visualize and communicate it with a broad audience,” said Sulia, a meteorology PhD and ASRC researcher who directs the xCITE Lab. “Our lab bridges this gap by manipulating the data to make it easier to understand.”
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  Whiteface is peak of cloud study: Grant will support research over the next five years

  Sara Lance, a research associate at the state University at Albany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at Whiteface, has been awarded the prestigious Faculty Early Career Development award from the NSF.
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  Study: Decreasing Wildfires Observed Over Central Africa

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  Atmospheric Scientist Honored by the AMS

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  Atmospheric Scientist Virtually Inspires Next Generation of STEM Leaders