I am Lei Wang, an Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Science in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University.
My research group focuses on the large-scale atmospheric dynamics on Earth and other planets, and more specifically on the phenomenon of atmospheric blocking and high-impact extreme weather events. Sub-seasonal to seasonal variability poses a forecast gap between medium-range and seasonal timescales. High-impact extreme events such as heatwaves, cold spells, and heavy precipitation episodes often occur on this key timescale, and are challenging to predict (see also this). We aim to make progresses on these challenging topics on weather and climate extremes.
Opportunities
Postdoctoral Researcher: You are encouraged to contact me to discuss potential opportunities. You are encouraged to apply through the NOAA fellowship (link) or the NSF fellowship (link).
PhD Student: I recruit graduate students in large-scale atmospheric dynamics and climate dynamics. Opportunities exist to learn and apply geophysical fluid dynamics to better understand Earth's atmosphere and climate dynamics using a hierarchy of theoretical and idealized numerical models. Specific projects include jetstream dynamics, extreme weather, weather-climate continuum, the role of moisture on the mid-latitude circulation. Students will have the freedom to develop their research projects as they progress towards a Ph.D. Students will also have the opportunity to enroll in Purdue's Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs to broaden their education. Students who majored in atmospheric sciences are preferred. Applicants with a strong background in math and physics and an interest in atmospheric science are also encouraged to apply. Please contact me at leiwang@purdue.edu if you are interested.
Undergraduate Researcher: Students will learn and apply atmospheric dynamics to better understand the dynamics of weather and climate. No prior research experience is needed. Students will be offered weekly tutorial/discussion sessions to hone their basic programming skills and to learn/refresh meteorological concepts.
Contact Information
Dr. Lei Wang
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN
Email: leiwang@purdue.edu