A group of UAlbany Atmospheric Science students conducting research on Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, New York.

Doctor of Philosophy in
Atmospheric Science

Pursue a Career Researching the Challenges of Our Atmosphere

Develop expertise in understanding and predicting weather and climate systems through research opportunities in the doctoral program in atmospheric science at the University at Albany.  

Your faculty mentors will push you to think about atmospheric theories, concepts and processes in new ways. You will learn to use research to answer questions that atmospheric scientists face today, such as what cloud chemistry can tell us about the atmosphere and how oceanic weather patterns impact nations.

At UAlbany you will have access to the New York State Mesonet - a collection of over 120 advanced weather observation stations across New York State, a state-of-the-art map room to display and analyze weather data, and the Albany National Weather Service office right on campus.

You will be equipped for a career in the public and private sector in research, forecasting and education. Our location in the state capital offers many opportunities for internships and employment at state agencies and industries that seek expertise to solve environmental challenges.

Program of Study

programofstudy

Customize your course of study to learn about concepts such as atmospheric physics, atmospheric dynamics, environmental geochemistry, hydrometeorology, synoptic dynamic meteorology, aerosol physics and cloud chemistry.

Your program is organized around research experience. You will have the opportunity to actively contribute to significant research areas including tropical cyclones, climate variability, glacier cycles, air-sea carbon dioxide, lake-effect snow, and monsoons.


Course Requirements

A minimum of 45 hours of graduate credit in courses, seminars and independent study in atmospheric, environmental and other sciences or mathematics. These requirements must be satisfied by coursework with research leading to a dissertation. See the MS Atmospheric Science for course requirements.


Departmental Examinations

1. Written Qualifying Examination
The written exam covers your program area: synoptic-dynamic meteorology, physical meteorology and atmospheric physics, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimatology and environmental systems.

2. Oral Qualifying Examination
The oral exam is based on your written prospectus that describes the basis and approach for your dissertation research.

3. Dissertation Defense
An oral presentation and defense of the dissertation.

Ancillary Duties

Satisfactory performance in teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to academic development.


Dissertation

A dissertation in your area of specialization which represents a significant and original contribution in the field of atmospheric or environmental systems.


Full-Time Study in Residence

You are required to engage in full-time study beyond the master's degree or equivalent at the University in at least two sessions after admission to the advanced program. This requirement is designed to ensure a sustained period of intensive intellectual growth. You will enroll in full-time study (12 credits) taken in each of two sessions, or in a regular session and a summer session, not necessarily consecutive.


Professional Development

You will work with your faculty advisor to develop a mentoring plan that includes professional development support.

In most instances, financial support is available through research grants to attend national conferences and for travel support. Some annual meetings, such as the AMS and AGU, offer travel funding.

Research

phd-atmos-research

Research projects are funded by federal, state and corporate grants. In addition to covering the costs of doing research and presenting results at international conferences, grants cover student tuition and a stipend.

Research projects may include:

  • Tropical Cyclones and Hurricanes
  • Mountain and Topography Influences
  • Climate Modeling
  • Urban Climate and Weather
  • Glacier-Climate Interactions
  • Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning
  • Solar and Wind Energy
  • Synoptic / Dynamic Meteorology and Atmospheric Chemistry

As a graduate researcher you will have access to UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), with opportunities to study atmospheric physics, chemistry and renewable energy.

Beyond the ASRC, take advantage of the National Weather Service, which is right on campus. Here you can apply for internships and cooperative research.


Opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups

We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to contact faculty members to discuss research opportunities. In addition to the opportunities below, other opportunities might exist through university or external diversity fellowship programs that will allow you to work with a faculty member to craft a unique research project. For more information, email individual faculty members with whom you are interested in working, or contact Brian Tang, Chair of the department's Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

Graduate Student Research Opportunities
Research Opportunities

Dr. Sukanta Basu

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

 

Dr. Kristen Corbosiero

Drs. Corbosiero and Tang are seeking two graduate students to work on tropical cyclone projects.

The first project focuses on downshear reformation of tropical cyclones, where a new center forms in deep convection displaced from the original center. This project will use convection-allowing model simulations to understand mesoscale and storm-scale processes that result in the formation of the new center.

The second project focuses on aircraft and satellite observations of tropical cyclone ventilation, the injection of drier and/or cooler air into a tropical cyclone. These observations will be used to understand ventilation pathways around a tropical cyclone, along with effects on tropical cyclone intensity and structure. 

Drs. Corbosiero and Torn are seeking a graduate student to conduct research on the role of atmospheric rivers in heavy precipitation events in the eastern United States and to assess their predictability.

The work will include conducting case studies of warm and cool season heavy precipitation producing weather systems to gain a better scientific understanding of the role of atmospheric rivers in these events and to use this new scientific knowledge to assess, and potentially improve, their predictability.

 

Dr. Aiguo Dai

Dr. Dai does not anticipate admitting new students in 2024.

 

Dr. Oliver Elison Timm

Dr. Timm does not anticipate admitting new students in 2024.

 

Dr. Robert Fovell 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

 

Dr. Jeffrey Freedman 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

 

Dr. Jorge González-Cruz 

Resilient Power Infrastructure in Islanded Communities in a Changing Climate 

We are establishing a unique field laboratory in Puerto Rico (PR) to conduct observations of weather impacts on representative transmission lines and their natural and built environments. We are developing approaches to translate the testbed results for hardening strategies for whole transmission systems. These approaches include:

  1. Development of hybrid numerical-experimental approaches for the predictive assessment of vulnerability of the electric power transmission infrastructure when exposed to extreme climate conditions. This includes multiscale high-resolution weather models coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamic modeling of scaled transmission towers for wind tunnel testing, allowing for application to the diverse range of transmission assets
  2. Application of the modeling framework in the context of at risk coastal and islanded communities, with PR as first use case. 

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Modeling for Coastal-Urban Environments 

Our research team is developing numerical weather prediction models for coastal-dense-cities. This includes the development and testing of new urban parameterizations to represent anthropogenic sources of heat and mass from buildings and from the urban canyons in the urban boundary layer equations. We further validate these parameterizations with observed case studies under mean and extreme conditions, particularly extreme heat, cold snaps, and precipitation events. The models are being tested in three U.S. locations: New York City, Houston and Baltimore/DC metropolitan areas to take advantage of excellent surface and vertical observations such as those from the New York State Mesonet. 

 

Dr. Aubrey Hillman 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

 

Dr. Sara Lance  

Dr. Sara Lance is recruiting a new graduate student to assist with modeling of multiphase chemical processes occurring in low altitude mixed-phase Arctic clouds emanating from leads or cracks in the sea ice, and comparison to aerosol physical and chemical measurements conducted during the 2022 CHACHA field deployment.

Two years of student support are currently available for this project. Please contact Dr. Lance for more information. See Dr. Lance's research website for additional information.

  

Dr. Cheng-Hsuan (Sarah) Lu 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

 

Dr. Scott Miller 

Dr. Miller is conducting research in air-sea exchange of momentum, heat, moisture and carbon dioxide, and in the deployment and analysis of mesoscale sensor networks (e.g., meteorology and low-cost air quality).

He currently has an opening for a highly-motivated PhD student to make state-of-the-art measurements of air-sea CO2 exchange from mobile platforms as part of an NSF-funded collaborative project with the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and an industry partner.

The scientific objective is to improve the understanding of processes controlling air-sea carbon dioxide exchange. Turbulent air-sea fluxes of carbon dioxide will be measured using the eddy covariance technique from an autonomous discus buoy.

The project involves system design, analysis and testing of sensors in the laboratory and the UNH deep dive tank, and deployment for field trials in the Gulf of Maine.

The successful student will process and analyze data using Matlab, Python, or similar software, present results at scientific conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Motivated students with a background in engineering, atmospheric sciences, oceanography or a related discipline, and an interest in automation and autonomous platforms, geophysical fluid mechanics, turbulence and air-sea CO2 exchange are encouraged to apply. 

  

Dr. Justin Minder 

Drs. Minder and Tang are seeking a graduate student to conduct research on heavy precipitation events and their hydrometeorological impacts over the Catskill Mountains of New York State. The work will involve a combination of long-term analyses of meteorological characteristics and detailed case studies, leveraging specialized observations including from the New York State Mesonet. 

  

Dr. Sujata Murty 

Dr. Sujata Murty has an opening for a new graduate student interested in coral and fossil reef paleoclimate reconstructions.

Projects will involve geochemical reconstructions of climate and ocean circulation, and may additionally involve the integration of paleoclimate, physical oceanography and climate modeling perspectives to examine climate and ocean dynamics.The regional focus of the project is to be determined but may include corals from the Red Sea, Maritime Continent or Caribbean.

Please contact Dr. Sujata Murty for more information.

  

Dr. Brian Rose 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD 

  

Dr. Paul Roundy 

Dr. Roundy has pending funding for opportunities including:

  1. Contribution of Kelvin waves to the wind signal associated with the MJO.
  2. Studying the mechanisms by which error patterns emerge in numerical weather models.
  3. Developing a Model Output Statistics algorithm to reduce bias in model MJO forecasts.  

  

Dr. Kara Sulia 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

  

Dr. Brian Tang 

Drs. Tang and Corbosiero are seeking two graduate students to work on tropical cyclone projects.

The first project focuses on downshear reformation of tropical cyclones, where a new center forms in deep convection displaced from the original center. This project will use convection-allowing model simulations to understand mesoscale and storm-scale processes that result in the formation of the new center.

The second project focuses on aircraft and satellite observations of tropical cyclone ventilation, the injection of drier and/or cooler air into a tropical cyclone. These observations will be used to understand ventilation pathways around a tropical cyclone, along with effects on tropical cyclone intensity and structure. 

Drs. Tang and Minder are seeking a graduate student to conduct research on heavy precipitation events and their hydrometeorological impacts over the Catskill Mountains of New York State. The work will involve a combination of long-term analyses of meteorological characteristics and detailed case studies, leveraging specialized observations including from the New York State Mesonet.

 

Dr. Chris Thorncroft 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

 

Dr. Ryan Torn 

Drs. Torn and Corbosiero are seeking a graduate student to conduct research on the role of atmospheric rivers in heavy precipitation events in the eastern United States and to assess their predictability.

The work will include conducting case studies of warm and cool season heavy precipitation producing weather systems to gain a better scientific understanding of the role of atmospheric rivers in these events and to use this new scientific knowledge to assess, and potentially improve, their predictability. 

  

Dr. Mathias Vuille 

Dr. Vuille is seeking a graduate student to work on a project focused on assessing how large volcanic eruptions influence changes in surface temperatures, hydroclimate and climate dynamics globally, in both space and time.

The project will involve analysis of paleoclimate data assimilation products covering the last millennium and ground-truthing the estimates against other state-of-the-art proxy reconstructions and documentary evidence. The ultimate aim of the project is to quantify risks and improve societal preparedness for climatic variations influenced by large volcanic eruptions. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with colleagues at Columbia University.

 

Dr. Zheng Wu 

Dr. Zheng Wu is seeking a graduate student to work on a research project about exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in extending the predictability of extreme precipitations (droughts and floods) and improving the forecast skill on extended-range (subseasonal to seasonal) time scales. The work will include the development of AI models, processing of large ensemble model data and investigation of atmospheric processes and teleconnections.

  

Dr. Fangqun Yu 

Dr. Yu is seeking a graduate student with a strong background in physics and global modeling to conduct research on solar radiation modification (SRM) via stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). SRM has received increasing attention as a transitionary tool for addressing the ongoing climate crisis and to buy time for carbon emission reduction and removal.

The possible research topics include:

  1. Fundamental processes determining the size-resolved properties of stratospheric particles on which their environmental and climatic effects depend.
  2. Global modeling of size-resolved particle microphysics and climatic and environmental impacts of atmospheric particles.
  3. SAI efficacy and potential adverse effects under various scenarios. 

 

Dr. Xueying Yu

Dr. Yu invites applications for 1-2 PhD positions to study greenhouse gas emissions, climate-carbon interactions and atmospheric chemistry. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about addressing the climate-carbon crisis and advancing our understanding of Earth's atmosphere. Potential research topics include: 

  1. Mapping Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Utilizing both satellite and in-situ measurements, this research aims to enhance our comprehension of the spatial and temporal variability in anthropogenic and natural greenhouse gas sources for addressing and mitigating the impact of carbon on our climate. 
  2. Modeling of Atmospheric Components: Engage in global and regional modeling, exploring atmospheric oxidation capacity, climate-chemistry interactions and their environmental consequences.  
  3. Big Data and Bayesian Inverse Modeling: As the volume of environmental observations surges, there is a growing need to advance inverse methodology. This research will focus on exploiting these vast data sets, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving field.

 

Dr. Jie Zhang 

Dr. Zhang is seeking a graduate student to join the ASRC atmospheric chemistry group in fall 2024 to focus on the study of urban air pollution (i.e., aerosol chemistry, photochemistry, urban-marine interactions, etc.) based on the UAlbany ASRC mobile lab measurements. The graduate student will be responsible for further mobile lab deployments, instrument operation/maintenance, data analysis and publications. More information about Dr. Zhang and his work.  

  

Dr. Liming Zhou 

2024 recruitment opportunities TBD

Teaching and Research Assistantships

You will have teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant (RA) opportunities under the supervision of departmental faculty. TAs and RAs are typically paid for 20 hours of work per week. TA and RA graduate students have equal annual pay. See the Graduate Student Handbook for details on stipends. 

Teaching Assistant

The major duties of TAs include grading course assignments, quizzes and exams, leading discussion sections, monitoring lab exercises, holding office hours and assisting with other tasks as assigned. Some courses are taught fully online and the main interaction with students takes place via online resources, such as Brightspace.

TAs are expected to conduct research work during summer, which is paid for through funds from research grants from your faculty advisor.  

The funds for TAs come from the state of New York through the University’s Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences to assist the teaching of a course.

Research Assistant

The major duties of RAs are to assist the professor with a specific research project. This typically includes analyses, experiments and labs, simulations, programming, and writing and publishing research papers. This work is usually immediately related to your thesis or PhD work.

The funds for RAs come from a research grant under a professor.

Should I apply to the MS or PhD Atmospheric Science program? 

If you have a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or a closely related field, including physics, mathematics, and environmental science, you have the option to apply to the MS program or the PhD program.  

MS Atmospheric Science Degree

An MS degree can be earned as a terminal degree or as part of the path toward a PhD. MS students typically take 2 to 2.5 years to complete their degree. You will work on your research thesis under the supervision of your faculty advisor(s) and write a master’s thesis. 

PhD Atmospheric Science Degree

The PhD degree usually takes an additional three years beyond the MS. The total time from start of graduate school to PhD averages 5-6 years. The goal of the PhD program is to train scholars to create and communicate new knowledge. You will work towards the goal of successfully defending your dissertation topic. 

Applying directly to the PhD program provides you with more flexibility in terms of funding options. If you apply and are accepted into the PhD program, you can earn a master’s degree along the way to your PhD degree. However, you are not required to complete your PhD. You can leave the program after completing your master’s. If you decide to pursue a PhD later, you will not need to reapply and pay the application fee. 

Students conducting research at a NYS Mesonet tower.
Career Outcomes

With a PhD in Atmospheric Science, you will be prepared for a career in forecasting, research, agriculture and education.

Potential job titles include:

  • University professor
  • Atmospheric scientist
  • Meteorologist
  • Geospatial engineer
  • Television broadcaster
  • Climate change scientist
  • Coastal scientist
career

"The faculty’s commitment to students led to numerous opportunities to attend conferences and workshops around the country to present my research.

DAES has a strong connection with the local community. Whether it’s teaching about cloud formation at a local high school, hosting science days on campus, or talking about societal impacts of my research with congressional staffers, I’ve been given numerous chances to work on communicating my growing scientific expertise to the general public.

The education I’ve received, both in and out of the classroom, at UAlbany has prepared me to join the workforce ready to understand and take on the scientific challenges of my field and discuss my work in a cogent and impactful manner."

- Matt Vaughan, MS ’15, PhD ’20

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Priority Review Deadline

  • Fall: January 5 
  • Spring: Not Available 
  • Summer: Not Available
     

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: February 1
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: Not Available


No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: Not Available
Other Important Dates
  • Before January 5: If you’re applying for admission for the Fall semester, explore research opportunities in advance and contact faculty members with any questions
  • January 5: When you submit your application by this deadline, you are eligible, contingent on offer status, to be invited to visit our department in February
  • Beginning February 1: Offers for RA / TA / ASRC fellowships are sent out to admitted applicants; Invitations to visit DAES/ASRC are sent out
  • End of February: Recruitment visit weekend; More admissions offers are made for self-funded MS positions
  • March-April: Make your decision to accept or decline offer
  • April 15: Final date for applicants to decide on pending offers
  • After April 15: Additional offers for RA / TA positions are made

For more information, please contact Oliver Timm at [email protected].

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals

Applications for the Fall term received by January 5th will receive priority consideration.

Application Requirements

In additional to the general University at Albany requirements for admission to doctoral study, an applicant's undergraduate preparation should include:

  • 3 semesters of a college calculus sequence for science/engineering majors, with a course in differential equations
  • 2 calculus-based college physics courses or related physics and math-based engineering or natural science courses
  • At least one college-level chemistry or geochemistry course

Note: GRE scores are not required when applying for admission to the PhD Atmospheric Science program.

A student who is deficient in these subjects will be expected to make up the deficiencies during the first year of graduate study, in consultation with their faculty advisor(s). A lack in one or more of these courses does not automatically disqualify a student from admission. Alternative courses, research, or work experience that demonstrate a strong background in math and physics can provide equivalent preparation. With the increasing demand of data analysis skills in professional positions, incoming students are expected to have basic skills in at least one computer coding language. We note that a BSc degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences (or related programs) is sufficient to apply for admission to the PhD program.

Application Review Process

The Atmospheric Science department’s Graduate Recruitment Committee will evaluate and rank each applicant on a holistic view (academic preparation; potential for scholarship; alignment with the program; diversity, equity and inclusiveness; self-appraisal and areas of personal growth) based on all submitted documents, such as GPA, grades for key courses, recommendations, statement, research experiences, any publications and supplemental materials. In addition, there may be an interview by faculty members if they have a specific interest in your application.

For questions about the application review process, contact Oliver Elison Timm at [email protected].

Tips for Writing Your Goals Statement

 Your statement should explain why you’re applying to the program and what makes you a strong applicant, both of in terms of your scholarly and non-cognitive skills. Your statement also allows you to differentiate yourself by sharing a little bit about what makes you unique. Please include a brief description of your field(s) of interest, related background, desired area of study, and research emphasis/career goals. Additionally, you should address the following items in your statement:

1. If you feel that any aspect of your past that is included in your application could be unfavorable to your admission (for example, a poor undergraduate GPA), you should discuss this aspect and how you have addressed it.


2. Please self-appraise your strengths and weaknesses, along with areas for personal growth that will make you successful in graduate school. For example, you may write about how you overcame obstacles in the past and what you have learned from those experiences about yourself. Or, you may want to tell us more about your plans or ideas on how to be aware of, and better respond to, potentially challenging situations as a graduate student.

3. Please include additional information that puts your application in a broader context. For example, you may write about your service and outreach activities and/or goals, including furthering equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM for marginalized and minoritized individuals.

What Happens After I Apply?

Individual faculty will communicate directly with prospective students who share similar research interests. All students to be admitted should have identified and mutually agreed academic advisors. UAlbany's Graduate School will make the admission offer for each student once the student-advisor agreement is reached. If funding is offered, in a separate offer letter the academic advisor will be named, and the position and stipend as a research assistant or a teaching assistant will be specified. You will have until April 15 to accept or decline the offer.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD
  • Demonstrate ability to use sound scientific reasoning to develop testable hypotheses and evaluate complex scientific problems in a specific research area related to atmospheric science
  • Carry out an extensive, independent research project that addresses a significant scientific problem in a specific atmospheric science research area and includes:
    • Extensive review of relevant literature
    • Application of common, or development of new, scientific practices in observational data analysis, numerical modeling, and/or mathematical analysis of relevant phenomena
    • Ability to analyze the results using appropriate quantitative methods and draw appropriate conclusions
  • Document, detail, and defend the research conducted in a formal prospectus, written thesis, and oral dissertation defense
  • Independently develop effective written and oral communication skills that lead to the dissemination of research results to fellow atmospheric scientists at scientific meetings and the broader community
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