World-class learning and discovery

World-class research

A fundamental mission of the University of Illinois Department of Atmospheric Sciences is to provide comprehensive educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through direct participation in the advancement of our scientific understanding of the atmosphere.

Title
Do you want to understand the power of mother nature?

Body

Our students get hands-on experience observing and modeling our earth system. Students in our department fly in research aircraft alongside severe thunderstorms, use our Doppler on Wheels radars and other instrumentation to investigate the structure of weather systems and simulate the atmosphere using cutting-edge models that will lead to future breakthroughs in our science. 

Title
The forefront of research and education

Body

Students in our graduate program undertake research that pushes the boundaries of our sciences, whether it be the latest in computer modeling or discovering new phenomena in the field. With a graduate degree in atmospheric sciences, students pursue various careers, including careers in national labs, academia, private industry, and more!

Block Reference
Jessica Skocinski

Meet New Graduate Student: Jessica Skocinski

Jessica Skocinski is one of our new Fall 2023 graduate students, however, she is not a new University of Illinois student. Jessica was an undergraduate here for 4 years and is now on her way to being what she has dreamt about: an operational forecaster and, per Jessica, “especially in aviation”. Jessica has a penchant for the friendly skies as she is also learning to become a pilot, taking lessons on flying small-engine aircraft. She has several hours of flight time under her belt already and is looking forward to getting more time logged. Jessica isn’t the only one in her household that...