Our graduate student ambassadors act as a resource for prospective graduate students. In addition to regularly reaching out to a diverse array of undergraduate students, they are happy to answer any questions regarding the graduate application process and life as a graduate student in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. Please feel free to send an email directly to one of our ambassadors, or send your questions to atmos-grad-ambassador@illinois.edu and we will direct you to the appropriate person!
Matthew Graber
- Advisor: Robert Trapp and Zhou Wang
- Email: mgraber2@illinois.edu
- Matthew's research is about improving tornado predictability using weather regimes. It's research that goes into both climate change and severe weather. His hobbies include running and watching sports in general, hiking and being outside, trying different kinds of coffee, and hanging out with my friends. He is excited to be a graduate student ambassador because he is looking forward to outreach events and being a mentor to other students.
Eddie Wolff
- Advisor: Robert Trapp and Stephen Nesbitt
- Email: ecwolff3@illinois.edu
- Eddie is a first-year graduate student studying convection with a focus on QLCS tornadoes. As part of his research, he often works with satellite and radar data including the department's FARM instrumentation facility. He is originally from southwest Ohio and outside of school he enjoys hiking, biking, photography, and theatre.
Michael Sessa
- Advisor: Robert Trapp
- Email: msessa2@illinois.edu
- Michael is a fourth-year graduate student, and his research focuses on tornado intensity! His other interests include forecasting and winter weather. He is originally from New Jersey, and some of his favorite hobbies are hiking, biking, and spending time outside in general as well as exploring coffee shops and breweries.
Sam Frederick
- Advisor: Nicole Riemer
- Email: sf20@illinois.edu
- Sam's research focuses on aerosol modeling at high spatial resolution using the particle resolved model PartMC. He is originally from North Carolina, and outside of work, enjoys playing the cello, listening to music, and trying out new vegetarian recipes. He is most excited to connect with prospective students and help them get acquainted with the department.