@ The University of Oklahoma

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Liam Thompson named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar

Liam Thompson was recently selected as the 2025 Goldwater Scholar. His essay was based on the continental-scale model evaluation work recently published in Urban Climate.

The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established by Public Law 99-661 on November 14, 1986. The Scholarship Program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was designed to identify, encourage, and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.

From an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, 1,350 science, engineering, and mathematics students were nominated by 445 academic institutions to compete for the 2025 Goldwater scholarships. The Trustees of the Goldwater Board awarded 441 Goldwater scholarships to college students from across the United States for the 2025-2026 academic year. With the 2025 awards, the Goldwater Foundation has awarded 11,162 scholarships since 1989, the first year the scholarship was bestowed.

The official press release is here: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/

Congratulations, Liam!

Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability News

Liam Thompson won the First Generation UReCA Fellowship

Liam Thompson recently won the First Generation Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Fellowship. This fellowship offers financial support to OU students who would like to undertake a project over the course of a semester. Liam will work on a project titled “Investigating the Influence of Convective Severe Weather on Ozone Pollution in Oklahoma City”.

Congratulations, Liam!

Liam Thompson won first place in the GIS Day Undergraduate Poster Competition

Liam Thompson recently won first place in the GIS Day Undergraduate Poster Competition. He presented his work on continental-scale evaluation of convection-permitting hydroclimate simulation in urban areas.

The annual GIS Day at the University of Oklahoma is hosted by Center for Spatial Analysis. This event celebrates students and professionals in the broad geospatial community. It also hosts the student poster and StoryMap competition, an exposition designed to help students foster their professional development by presenting their research to both faculty and GIS professionals.

Congratulations, Liam!

Liam Thompson received the Bob Glahn Scholarship in Statistical Meteorology

Liam Thompson recently received the Bob Glahn Scholarship in Statistical Meteorology from the National Weather Association Foundation.

The Bob Glahn Scholarship in Statistical Meteorology was established by Dr. Bob (Harry R.) Glahn in 2012 to aid students in their final two years of undergraduate studies, enrolled in a program of meteorology or atmospheric science with a demonstrated interest in statistical meteorology.

Congratulations, Liam!

Yuqi Huang selected to attend the NCAR ASP Summer Colloquium

Yuqi Huang was selected to attend the NCAR Advanced Study Program Summer Colloquium. The topic of this year’s ASP Colloquium is Integrating Atmospheric and Social Approaches to Improve Urban Air Quality.

Every year, the Advanced Study Program hosts a summer colloquium designed for graduate students on subjects that represent new or rapidly developing areas of research for which good course material may not yet be available. The colloquium brings together lecturers and graduate students to NSF NCAR and generally includes about 25 student participants, and several lecturers from NSF NCAR and the community at large. (source: NCAR ASP)

Congratulations, Yuqi!

Dr. Wang received a single-PI NSF grant

Dr. Wang was recently awarded a single-PI National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. The grant titled “An Integrated Urban Meteorological and Building Stock Modeling Framework to Enhance City-level Building Energy Use Predictions” began on Jan 1, 2024 and is expected to conclude on Dec 31, 2025.

See OU News here: https://www.ou.edu/research-norman/news-events/2024/two-ou-researchers-receive-nsf-epscor-research-fellowships.

Open Ph.D. positions at the SURF Lab (2024 Fall admission) – updated

The Sustainable URban Futures (SURF) Lab in the School of Meteorology and the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, USA is seeking multiple doctoral students who are willing to pursue research in one of the following areas. The expected start date is Aug 2024 (Fall admission).

1. Urban Air Pollution Modeling Position

The SURF Lab is seeking a PhD student to develop and apply an integrated high-resolution pollutant dispersion model over complex terrain (including urban environments), which will be evaluated with field observations. The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Meteorology. For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, Earth science, or environmental science is preferred. Candidates with the following experience/expertise are especially encouraged to apply: (1) previous research experience in air pollution modeling, (2) proficiency in programming languages (Matlab, Fortran, R, and/or Python), and/or (3) familiar with geographic information systems.

2. Building Energy Modeling Position

The SURF Lab is seeking a PhD student to work on numerical simulations of building energy use and associated carbon emissions in the urban environment. The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Meteorology or Geography and Environmental Sustainability. For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in engineering, geography, atmospheric science, meteorology, or Earth science is preferred but not required. Candidates with the following experience/expertise are especially encouraged to apply: (1) previous research experience in developing building energy model(s), and (2) proficiency in programming languages (MATLAB, Fortran, R, and/or Python).

3. Urban Climate Modeling and Analytics Position

The SURF Lab is seeking a PhD student to work on multiscale urban climate models and data analytics. The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Meteorology or Geography and Environmental Sustainability. For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, geography, engineering, Earth science, or environmental science is preferred but not required. Candidates with experience in using programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, R, and/or Fortran), reanalysis data, climate projections, and/or remotely sensed data are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will work with Dr. Chenghao Wang at the University of Oklahoma. With the strong modeling and/or data analysis skills developed during the training, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research team and study a wide range of urban issues and challenges as well as potential mitigation and adaptation measures on the path toward sustainable and resilient urban environments.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Chenghao Wang (chenghao.wang@ou.edu) by Nov 25, 2023 (Fall 2024 admission), and attach (1) a copy of your CV, (2) a brief statement that highlights your interest (and skills and previous research experience when applicable) relevant to the position description, and (3) a copy of unofficial academic transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS/PET/DET transcripts (when applicable). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Admission requirements:

About the SURF Lab:

The Sustainable URban Futures Lab at the University of Oklahoma examines the mechanisms of urban environments, their interactions with regional and global climates, and their impacts on building energy use, carbon emissions, and public health using numerical models and data analytics. Through our interdisciplinary research, we aim to advance the understanding of the urban environment and support more sustainable urban development under global environmental changes. Our research has been funded by multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our work has been published in several leading journals such as Nature Aging, Nature Communications, Science Advances, Geophysical Research Letters, Remote Sensing of Environment, Earth’s Future, Building and Environment, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. More information about ongoing research can be found here: https://sites.create.ou.edu/chenghaowang/.

About the University of Oklahoma:

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma just 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City, one of the top 50 metropolitan areas in the United States. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”. The School of Meteorology is the largest such program in the nation and is routinely ranked near the top of the nation. More information regarding the University of Oklahoma, the School of Meteorology, the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, and available degree programs can be found here: https://sites.create.ou.edu/chenghaowang/about/.

For further information, please contact Dr. Chenghao Wang (chenghao.wang@ou.edu).

A PDF version of this post in English can be downloaded here:

中文版招生简介可从此处下载:

Open Ph.D. positions at the SURF Lab (2024 Fall admission)

The Sustainable URban Futures (SURF) Lab in the School of Meteorology and the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, USA is seeking two doctoral students who are willing to pursue research in the following areas:

1. Urban Air Pollution Modeling Position

The SURF Lab is seeking a self-motivated PhD student to develop and apply an integrated high-resolution pollutant dispersion model over complex terrain (including urban environments), which will be evaluated with field observations. The PhD student will be supported through a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the iM4 Technologies program (Innovative Methane Measurement, Monitoring, and Mitigation Technologies). The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Meteorology and will begin in Fall 2024 (starting in Aug 2024). For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, Earth science, or environmental science is preferred. Candidates with the following experience/expertise are especially encouraged to apply: (1) previous research experience in air pollution modeling, (2) proficiency in programming languages (Matlab, Fortran, R, and/or Python), and/or (3) familiar with geographic information systems.

2. Urban Climate Modeling and Analytics Position

The SURF Lab is seeking a self-motivated PhD student to work on multiscale urban climate models and data analytics. The PhD student will be supported through a mixture of GTA and GRA. The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Meteorology or Geography and Environmental Sustainability and will begin in Fall 2024 (starting in Aug 2024). For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, geography, engineering, Earth science, or environmental science is preferred but not required. Candidates with experience in using programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, R, and/or Fortran), reanalysis data, climate projections, and/or remotely sensed data are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will work with Dr. Chenghao Wang at the University of Oklahoma. With the strong modeling and/or data analysis skills developed during the training, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research team and study a wide range of urban issues and challenges as well as potential mitigation and adaptation measures on the path toward sustainable and resilient urban environments.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Chenghao Wang (chenghao.wang@ou.edu) by Nov 10, 2023 (Fall 2024 admission), and attach (1) a copy of your CV, (2) a brief statement that highlights your interest (and skills and previous research experience when applicable) relevant to the position description, and (3) a copy of unofficial academic transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS/PET/DET transcripts (when applicable). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Admission requirements:

About the SURF Lab:

The Sustainable URban Futures Lab at the University of Oklahoma examines the mechanisms of urban environments, their interactions with regional and global climates, and their impacts on building energy use, carbon emissions, and public health using numerical models and data analytics. Through our interdisciplinary research, we aim to advance the understanding of the urban environment and support more sustainable urban development under global environmental changes. Our research has been funded by multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Our work has been published in several leading journals such as Nature Aging, Nature Communications, Science Advances, Geophysical Research Letters, Remote Sensing of Environment, Earth’s Future, Building and Environment, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. More information about ongoing research can be found here: https://sites.create.ou.edu/chenghaowang/.

About the University of Oklahoma:

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma just 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City, one of the top 50 metropolitan areas in the United States. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”. The School of Meteorology is the largest such program in the nation and is routinely ranked near the top of the nation. More information regarding the University of Oklahoma, the School of Meteorology, the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, and available degree programs can be found here: https://sites.create.ou.edu/chenghaowang/about/.

For further information, please contact Dr. Chenghao Wang (chenghao.wang@ou.edu).

A PDF version of this post in English can be downloaded here:

中文版招生简介可从此处下载:

Open Ph.D. positions at the SURF Lab (2024 Spring or Fall admission)

The Sustainable URban Futures (SURF) Lab in the School of Meteorology and the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, USA is seeking two doctoral students who are willing to pursue research in the following areas:

1. Urban Air Pollution Modeling Position:

The SURF Lab is seeking a self-motivated Ph.D. student to develop and apply an integrated high-resolution pollutant dispersion model over complex terrain (including urban environments), which will be evaluated with field observations. The Ph.D. student will be supported through a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the iM4 Technologies program (Innovative Methane Measurement, Monitoring, and Mitigation Technologies). The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Meteorology and will begin in Spring 2024 (starting in Jan 2024) or Fall 2024 (starting in Aug 2024). For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, Earth science, or environmental science is preferred. Candidates with the following experience/expertise are especially encouraged to apply: (1) previous research experience in air pollution modeling, (2) proficiency in programming languages (Matlab, Fortran, and/or Python), and/or (3) familiar with geographic information systems.

2. Urban Climate Position:

The SURF Lab is seeking a self-motivated Ph.D. student to work on multiscale urban climate models and/or urban climate data analytics. The Ph.D. student will be supported through a mixture of GTA and GRA. The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program in either Meteorology or Geography and Environmental Sustainability and will begin in Spring 2024 (starting in Jan 2024) or Fall 2024 (starting in Aug 2024). For prospective Ph.D. students, a master’s degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, geography, engineering, Earth science, or environmental science is preferred but not required. Candidates with experience in using programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, R, and/or Fortran), geographic information systems, climate projections, and/or remotely sensed data are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will work with Dr. Chenghao Wang at the University of Oklahoma. With the strong modeling and/or data analysis skills developed during the training, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research team and study a wide range of urban issues and challenges as well as potential mitigation and adaptation measures on the path toward sustainable and resilient urban environments.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Chenghao Wang (chenghao.wang@ou.edu) by Sep 1, 2023 (Spring 2024 admission) or Nov 1, 2023 (Fall 2024 admission), and attach (1) a copy of your CV, (2) a brief statement that highlights your interest (and skills and previous research experience when applicable) relevant to the position description, and (3) a copy of unofficial academic transcripts and TOEFL/IELTS/PET/DET transcripts (when applicable). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Admission requirements:

About the SURF Lab:

The Sustainable URban Futures Lab at the University of Oklahoma examines the mechanisms of urban environments, their interactions with regional and global climates, and their impacts on building energy use, carbon emissions, and public health using numerical models and data analytics. Through our interdisciplinary research, we aim to advance the understanding of the urban environment and support more sustainable urban development under global environmental changes. Our research has been funded by multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). More information about ongoing research can be found here: https://sites.create.ou.edu/chenghaowang/.

About the University of Oklahoma:

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma just 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City, one of the top 50 metropolitan areas in the United States. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”. The School of Meteorology is the largest such program in the nation and is routinely ranked near the top of the nation. More information regarding the University of Oklahoma, the School of Meteorology, the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, and available degree programs can be found here: https://sites.create.ou.edu/chenghaowang/about/.

For further information, please contact Dr. Chenghao Wang (chenghao.wang@ou.edu).

Sarah Henry successfully completed her REU project. Congratulations!

Sarah Henry has recently accomplished a successful National Weather Center REU project. Congratulations, Sarah!

Sarah delivering her work at the final presentation on Aug 21, 2023.

Throughout a 10-week journey, she investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of compound heat wave and particle pollution episodes in the urban environment across the contiguous U.S. (CONUS). Based on geospatial analyses of nighttime air temperature and daily PM2.5 concentration data, she found that, compared to rural surroundings, the majority of urban areas in the CONUS experienced more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting heat waves, PM2.5 pollution days, as well as the compound episodes. Regionally, the Northeast and Ohio Valley exhibited the highest frequency of compound heat and pollution events, while the Northeast, Ohio Valley, and Southeast showed the longest durations of these events. Furthermore, the West and Southwest regions had the highest heat intensity during compound events, while the Northeast, Ohio Valley, and Southeast experienced the highest pollution intensity. Sarah’s research offers a pioneering perspective on compound heat and pollution episodes in U.S. cities, providing valuable insights for future investigations in this field.

Fig. 6. Regional comparison of compound events (CEs) frequency, heat intensity, pollution intensity, and duration for UAs and RAs based on NOAA’s 9 climate regions: Northeast (NE), South (S), Ohio Valley (OV), Southeast (SE), Northwest (NW), Southwest (SW), Upper Midwest (UM), West (W), and Northern Rockies and Plains (NRP). Red dashed line indicates Rural Area (RA) average, and blue dashed line indicates Urban Area (UA) average. The center line of each box is the median, the box extends from lower to upper quartiles, vertical lines denote 1.5 times the interquartile range, and diamonds are outliers.

Her final paper titled “Compound Heat Wave and PM2.5 Pollution Episodes in U.S. Cities” has been posted on arXiv (https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2307.15296) and is also available on REU’s website.

The REU program is funded by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. AGS-2050267. More information about REU and how to apply can be found here.

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