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Kelly M. Núñez Ocasio, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Kelly M. Núñez Ocasio, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
¡Bienvenidos!
¡Bienvenidos!
We study tropical systems across convective to synoptic scales using a multiscale, process-based approach. Our research focuses on identifying and analyzing the physical processes involved in the evolution of mesoscale convective systems, easterly waves, and the genesis of tropical cyclones. We also examine the weather and climate of Africa and their relationship to tropical variability in the Atlantic.
We are particularly interested in how convective processes and moisture contribute to the genesis of tropical cyclone seeds, and how these interactions may evolve in a changing climate. To pursue these scientific questions, we use both weather and climate models, as well as observations. We are also committed to open science practices and are deeply motivated by the importance of science communication in broadening the reach and impact of our work.
📸: Ashley Sebok
This video is part of the Texas A&M Department of Atmospheric Sciences Marketing & Recruitment Campaign.
Recent News
Recent News
May 2026:
Kelly Núñez Ocasio was interviewed by Radio Bilingüe to discuss the potential development of a "Super El Niño" later this year. Listen here along with other radio and podcasts interviews 👉 [Link].
Congratulations to Stephanie Ortiz Rosario on successfully passing her Qualifying exam!
Kelly Núñez Ocasio recently won an award from the National Science Foundation (grant NSF AGS-2508342) . This is Núñez Ocasio’s first proposal submission as both a Principal Investigator and a sole PI!
April 2026
Together with her co-authors, Kelly Núñez Ocasio published in JAS what is the first comprehensive review of African Easterly Waves! This is the link to the publication👉[Link].
At the 37th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology, Kelly contributed to various sessions as chair, including the TC genesis sessions, as well as organized and leading a special session in memory of Jenni Evans, AMS Centennial President and he former PhD advisor. Kelly also looks forward to forward to continuing to serve with AMS as a newly appointed member of the Committee on Tropical Meteorology and Tropical Cyclones.
Kwesi Quagraine presented his latest research on Hurricane Maria in PGW simulations at the High and Ultra-high Resolution Modeling Workshop held at Texas A&M. Kelly was part of the organizing committee for this event.
March 2026:
Kwesi Quagraine was an invited speaker at the 2026 Solar Climate Intervention Impacts on Extremes (SCI-EX) Workshop at UTIG and presented on his SCI Atmospheric Rivers study. Here's a special feature of the workshop 👉[Link].
The first study of the Mesoamerica Affinity Group (MAAG; an NSF NCAR and community effort) led by Kelly Núñez Ocasio has been published in BAMS in Early Online Relase!
Kelly Núñez Ocasio was an invited seminar speaker at the 5th Workshop on Convective Organization (WCO5) hosted by INPE in São José dos Campos, Brazil. This is the link to the talk👉[Link].
January 2026:
We are looking forward to the AMS Annual Meeting in Houston, TX! Below is the Tropical Systems Group (TSG) schedule:
Stephanie Ortiz Rosario will be participating in the Student Conference as a Co-Chair in Training. You can catch her chairing the “Research and Career Panels – Climate” session on Saturday, January 24 🕑 10:20–11:30 AM, 📍 Room 332A.
Kelly Núñez Ocasio is an invited speaker in the “Paving Your Path: Navigating the Job Market” session at the Student Conference on Sunday, January 25 🕑 9:40–10:25 AM, 📍 Grand Ballroom A. You can also catch Kelly at the Texas A&M University booth Grad School/ Career Fair on Sunday evening.
Kelly is the convener of the "Response of High-Impact Tropical Weather to a Warming Climate: Bridging Weather and Climate" sessions. Her talk “Advancing Weather and Climate Science in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean through Community and Storm-Resolving Modeling”, will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026 🕑 10:45–11:00 AM, 📍 Room 352D.
You can find more group news [here].
Texas A&M highlights recently awarded NSF grant. You can find the full story here.
AMS highlight as Paper of Note the African Easterly Wave Review Paper led by Kelly. You can find the full story here.
Tribute session to Jenni Evans at the 37th AMS Tropical. Left to right: Bob Hart (PSU), former PhD student of Jenni, Kelly (Texas A&M), and Kim Wood (The University of Arizona). You can find the full AMS story highlight here.
Kwesi Quagraine presenting at the SCI-EX.
🚨Graduate Student and Postdoc Opportunities🚨
🚨Graduate Student and Postdoc Opportunities🚨
If you are interested in a position, please email me at knunez.ocasio@tamu.edu with your CV and research interests. Prospective students may apply through the TAMU ATMO department.
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