PhD in Atmospheric Science - Cloud Microphysics, Severe Storms, and Mesoscale Meteorology in Fort Collins United States | Colorado State University

Our research examines the dynamic, microphysical, and electrical properties of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena, which vary in both size and duration. These encompass thunderstorms, supercells, squall lines, mesoscale convective systems, cirrus, stratus, and cumulus clouds, hurricanes and their substructures, mountain/valley circulations, atmospheric jets, sea/land breezes, and orographic flows. Investigations cover convection, mesoscale instabilities, gravity currents and waves, precipitation physics, cloud ice and liquid water processes, atmospheric electricity, aerosol indirect effects, vortices, tornadogenesis, storm interactions, orographic influences, boundary layer processes, frontal dynamics, impacts of surface heterogeneities, coastal boundaries, and urban weather effects.

The department provides a Ph.D. program for those pursuing the highest academic credential in atmospheric sciences. Doctoral candidates must exhibit substantial intellectual contributions, advanced scholarly competence, and extensive subject mastery. Beyond fulfilling the formal credit requirements outlined for the Ph.D., all graduate students in the department are expected to participate in the weekly colloquium series. These sessions, typically held Fridays at 11:15 a.m. during the academic year, serve as a vital component of the comprehensive educational experience.