[ES_JOBS_NET] Two Graduate Student Assistantships (Energy Related) in the Department of Atmospheric Science at the University of Wyoming

[Zachary J. Lebo]

The Department of Atmospheric Science at the University of Wyoming is seeking two talented applicants for MS/PhD positions in boundary-layer modeling/chemistry and severe wind/blowing snow forecasting beginning in the 2018-2019 academic year.



Boundary-layer modeling/chemistry: This project focuses on the Upper Green River Basin (UGRB) in Wyoming, which is a hot spot for oil and gas extraction and has endured several ozone action days in the past year. The successful candidate will explore the boundary-layer characteristics of the UGRB using high-resolution Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model that lead to high ozone concentrations. The goal is to not only better understand the fine-scale features of the near-surface atmosphere in the UGRB and how this leads to elevated ozone levels but also increase forecasting reliability for such events. This project is led by Dr. Zachary Lebo (zlebo at uwyo.edu) in collaboration with Shane Murphy (shane.murphy at uwyo.edu).



Improving severe wind and blowing snow forecasts: This project involves working with the National Weather Service (NWS) Regional Office in Cheyenne and with the Wyoming Dept. of Transportation (WYDOT). The idea is (1) to evaluate how well the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model captures severe wind events, using WYDOT roadsite measurements and wind energy tower measurements, (2) to set up a high-resolution prototype WRF wind forecast system in SE Wyoming that will eventually be run in real time at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)-Wyoming Supercomputer Center (NWSC), and (3) to evaluate the performance of this wind forecast system against HRRR and the observations. This project may involve collaboration with a separate project that will use the same wind forecast system to predict blowing snow events. Severe winds and blowing snow white-outs constitute hazardous driving conditions in Wyoming, and road closures have a large economic impact, hence the interest of WYDOT and the NWS in better forecast guidance. This project is led by Dr. Bart Geerts (geerts at uwyo.edu).



Please email the respective PIs for more information.



Applications are now being accepted. If you wish to be considered for the position, please apply by January 2, 2018, to receive full consideration. Details on the application process can be found on the Department of Atmospheric Science’s website: http://www.uwyo.edu/atsc/howtoapply/.



These positions come with a very competitive stipend, and tuition and health benefits are also provided at no cost to the selected students.


Dr. Zachary J. Lebo

Assistant Professor
University of Wyoming

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: 307.314.2030<tel:(307)%20314-2030>

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