Opportunities

Graduate

The Atmospheric Sciences group at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (COAS) has openings for Masters and PhD students starting in Fall 2013. Students interested in aerosols, clouds, ocean-atmosphere interaction, climate variability and change, and atmospheric boundary layer processes are encouraged to apply. Funding is available in the form of Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Fellowships. Some possible projects include (but are not limited to) the following:

Air-sea Interactions. Marine stratocumulus clouds are common over much of the ocean, and play an important role in the climate. Reflecting sunlight back to space, they shade the ocean and keep the sea surface temperature cooler. We have observations of atmospheric thermodynamics, surface fluxes, and aerosols (tiny particles in the air) from the Azores. We also have surface radiation and cloud observations from ground-based radar and lidar remote sensing. Considering the wide range of atmospheric conditions observed, we ask, under what conditions do stratocumulus clouds form? I seek a quantitatively-skilled candidate to research air-sea interaction using a variety of data from numerical models, field experiments, and global data sets. (Dr. Simon de Szoeke)

Atmosphere-Vegetation interaction/ Biomicrometeorology. The exchange of trace gases such as water vapor, methane and carbon dioxide between the vegetation and the atmosphere is studied using observations from field sites in Oregon. I am interested in discovering and quantifying the processes by which human-induced and natural changes impact the composition of the air layer near the surface and its feedbacks on the vegetation. You will need good quantitative and programming skills and should enjoy fieldwork! (Dr. Christoph Thomas)

Arctic sea ice. State-of-the-art climate models are not able to replicate this observed decrease in Arctic sea ice. We use climate models and observations to improve the representation of sea ice in climate models in order to improve sea ice (and global climate) projections for future decades. A strong physics/math background is needed, as well as previous computer programming or data analysis experience. (Drs. Eric Skyllingstad and Karen Shell)

Climate sensitivity. Climate models and satellite observations are used to understand feedbacks within the climate system and the response to changes in atmospheric constituents (such as carbon dioxide). By comparing these feedbacks in state-of-the-art climate models (those used for the Intergovernmental Program on Climate Change projections of future climate) to feedbacks in observations, we can improve climate models and reduce uncertainty about future climate change. A strong physics/math background is needed, as well as previous computer programming or data analysis experience. (Dr. Karen Shell)

Applicants interested in air-sea interaction should also look at the Physical Oceanography program. Depending on student interest and background, we can design interdisciplinary programs of study to support a student's research objectives.

Undergraduate

Learn about the CEOAS REU program.

Additionally, some research groups hire undergraduate interns. Contact individual faculty members for possibilities.