Meet Some of Our Students

Being part of the Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science at the University of Washington is an exhilarating journey. Students find themselves immersed in a captivating world of wonder and discovery, fueled by passionate and world-leading professors in the field, cutting-edge research, graduate students who are enthusiastic about mentoring undergraduate students, and a supportive community of staff. From engaging courses to vibrant clubs, from impactful research opportunities to valuable internships, our students and alumni have consistently praised the program for its transformative impact.

Current Students:

Nicholas Shepard, Postbac, Meteorology Option

Atmospheric and Climate Science at UW provides priceless relationships with world-class experts and professionals. By sharing (relatively small!) ATMS classes with the same students quarter after quarter, I’ve been able to develop close bonds with my peers, and have ample opportunity to nerd out about weather and climate. Department groups like the Weather Challenge team and Dawgcast have served as opportunities to put into practice the knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom.

Alyssa Tou, Senior, Chemistry & Air Quality Option

My independent research project on Iodine enrichment in the Alexander lab is a standout in my Atmospheric and Climate Science undergrad journey. Guided by PI Becky Alexander and grad students Yuk Chun Chan and Alli Moon, I’ve gained crucial skills in wet lab techniques, instrument operation, and coding. Thanks to this experience, I’ve become more independent in research and gained confidence in my problem-solving, preparing me for future work in air quality.

John Cramblitt, Junior, Climate option:

The Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science has built a welcoming and supportive environment for undergraduate students. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from and connect with friendly and knowledgeable faculty who lead exciting climate science research. Courses within the climate track, such as Weather and Climate Prediction and Ecological Climatology, are taught by experts in Earth’s climate system and provide practical experience running and analyzing output from contemporary climate models.

Laura Pong, Junior, Data Science Option

I’m really grateful for all the opportunities being an undergraduate student at this department has provided. In particular, the chance to conduct research with Professor Swann, Professor Turner, and graduate student James Yoon has been the highlight of my college experience. I’m really honored to be a part of such a welcoming community!

Coco Lipe, Sophmore, Climate option

My favorite aspect of UW’s atmos program is how enthusiastic the faculty are about helping you succeed—in Atmospheric Thermodynamics (ATMS340), Professor Bitz would spend extensive time outside of class answering all our questions, whether related to course material, her experience with research, or general questions about atmospheric and climate science. I have found nearly every professor to be just as excited to help explore particular topics that we’re excited about.

Recent Alumni:

Jared McGlothlin, Class of 2024, BS in ATM S, Meteorology Option

The atmospheric and climate science program allowed me to learn how the atmosphere works, covering topics ranging from the ozone hole to hurricane formation. During my time at ATMS, I was able to get involved in broadcast meteorology, impactful wildfire research, and cross-college collaboration, as well as internships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in atmospheric sciences at Colorado State University.

Haley Lowes-Bicay, Class of 2024, BS in ATM S, Climate Option

The Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science at UW is an amazing department. I wanted to participate in research going into college and this led me to a paid research position to study 4 million-year-old ice from Antarctica! I also joined the UW Dawgcast and got to know other students who were not in my classes. I am now pursuing a PhD in Oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, studying Atmospheric River forecasting models. I couldn’t have made it here without the UW Atmos department!

Ryan Boyd, Class of 2023, BS in ATMS with the Climate Option & the Chemistry and Air Quality Option

My experience with ATMS opened up opportunities I would never have imagined. I maintained solar irradiance instruments, did a field research course in the Colorado Rockies, and studied methane plumes in Turkmenistan using satellite imagery. I was an intern with the NASA Student Airborne Research Program. I am now a Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton, where I combine my love of fieldwork with my fascination with air quality.

Abi King, Class of 2023, BS in ATMS Meteorology Option

The UW ATMS program is filled with a welcoming and enthusiastic community of peers and professors and so many engaging hands-on experiences! Being able to explore weather communication and green screens with the Dawgcast and gain valuable skills through undergraduate research was so exciting and rewarding. This program spurred on my passion for weather. After wrapping up working as an operational meteorologist for Weathernet, I am looking forward to my next weather adventure!

Anthony Edwards, Class of 2023, BS in ATMS Meteorology Option

Besides the comprehensive curriculum, UW Atmospheric Sciences provided me with numerous opportunities to grow my meteorological skills. These shaped me into a successful young professional. Some of my favorite memories include weekly lunchtime forecast discussions, sponsored lectures, American Meteorological Society (AMS) events, and the AMS conference in Denver. I am now a newsroom meteorologist at The San Francisco Chronicle. My career as a digital meteorologist would not have been possible without the UW Dawgcast.

Noah Asch, Class of 2022, BS in ATMS Meteorology Option

Being a student at ATMS was a purposeful and productive experience. Small class sizes helped me develop connections with professors and classmates alike, and pursue research opportunities. I established a volunteer program between the National Weather Service and students in ATMS; something that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community around me! Currently, I’m at Carnegie Mellon pursuing my PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a specialization in aerosol-cloud interactions.

Luke Ransom, Class of 2022, BS in ATMS Meteorology Option.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the UW Atmospheric Sciences program! The student community was small which provided the perfect opportunity to make close friends, many of which I’m still in touch with to this day! The challenging coursework was taught by some of the best faculty and graduate students in the world; I remember fondly the countless hours spent in Professor Hakim’s office learning the complexity of wind dynamics, and Professor Mass’ lectures on forecasting and aviation meteorology. Upon graduation I commissioned into the U.S. Navy and have since been completing Naval flight training; flying the Cessna 172, T-6B Texan II, and soon the T-45C Goshawk.

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