Bina Gayen (CASURA-TrUE Undergraduate Scholar at Texas Tech)

I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and I am a freshman with major in Biochemistry at Texas Tech University. Although I am still in the early part of my academic life, I have a great interest in understanding how scientific research based in a laboratory applies to real environmental and atmospheric processes. I am thrilled to learn about boundary layer dynamics, turbulence properties, and the use of state-of-the-art remote sensing instruments like lidar and sodar in atmospheric investigation. I am eager to obtain hands-on experience and gaining strong research expertise as part of this group. Outside academics, I like to paint and travel, which help me stay creative and curious about the world around me.

Dr. Narendra Dhangar (CIWRO Peter Lamb Postdoc at Texas Tech)

I hail from Dhule, a lively town in Maharashtra, India. After graduating, I moved to Pune, renowned as the Oxford of the East, where I earned my MS in Electronics and M.Tech in Atmospheric Sciences. My Master Thesis research on mesoscale kinematics over the Western Ghats using X-band radar sparked my interest in atmospheric sciences. During my PhD at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, I investigated fog formation and dissipation, a complex boundary layer phenomenon, as part of the Winter Fog Field Campaign in Delhi. I'm excited to join the Boundary Layer Meteorology Group at TTU as a CIWRO postdoc, where I will focus on developing process-based, weather-specific model evaluations using high-resolution NWP forecasts and meteorological observations to enhance predictive capabilities for decision-makers. Outside of my work, I enjoy traveling, watching documentaries, reading philosophy, and exploring both local and global politics. Equally, I practice pranayama and swim.

Hassanpreet Dhaliwal (Graduate Student, Ph.D. : 2023-)

I am from Malerkotla, a small town in the state of Punjab, India. I did my MS in Physics from Punjab University and moved to the US in 2021 for my MS in Atmospheric Science at Texas Tech. As an MS student, I studied the impact of anthropogenic particulate matter on human health. I am excited to continue my doctorate research in physics of the atmospheric boundary layer. I will be working to set up the station for Synergetic Surface-based and Satellite-borne Measurements of Arid-region Aerosol and Precipitation (S3-MAAP) sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Reese Technology Center in Lubbock, TX. This station will help generate high-quality and high-resolution measurements of aerosol and understand their physicochemical properties and precipitation processes in the boundary layer. I love to explore new places, reading philosophy, poetry and supporting progressive political activists in my free time.   

Matthew Hamel (Graduate Student, Ph.D. : 2022-)

I am from Charlotte Hall, Maryland. I graduated from Millersville University with my bachelor’s degree in Meteorology. I look forward to pursing my master’s degree and being a part of the Boundary Layer research group at Texas Tech University. I will be working with TTU Scanning Doppler Lidar system for characterizing CBL turbulence features. A few of my hobbies are playing tennis, chess, and video games. 

Diya Das (Graduate Student, Ph.D., 2023-)

I am from Kolkata, India. I completed my MS in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Calcutta. I am about to complete M. Tech in Remote Sensing from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing in summer 2023. For my Ph.D. study, I will be joining the Boundary Layer Meteorology Group at Tech in Fall 2023. I will work on the S3-MAAP (Synergetic Surface-based and Satellite-borne Measurements of Arid-region Aerosol and Precipitation) project sponsored by the NASA with key focus on the precipitation measurements and inter-comparison: Bottom up via ground-based measurements and top-down via satellite observations. I have also been an Indian classical dancer for the past 10 years. Apart from dancing I have a profound interest in mythology and poetry.

Nanditha Subhash (Graduate Student, MS, Fall 2024 - )

I am from Kerala, the southernmost state of India, where the onset of the Monsoon of South Asia takes place. I have completed my BS with major in Physics and minors in Chemistry and Mathematics from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, India. Additionally, I have earned an MS in Atmospheric Sciences from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India. My MS thesis focused on the atmosphere-biosphere interaction of carbon dioxide within the boundary layer at a semi-urban location in India, utilizing tower-based high-frequency flux measurements. Through this MS dissertation work conducted at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM, Pune), I developed a strong interest in boundary layer meteorology and the carbon cycle. I am excited about the opportunity to join the Boundary Layer Meteorology Group at Texas Tech. I believe this will help me deepen my understanding of boundary layer processes, their dynamics in complex terrains, and their interactions with climatic conditions.

Danielle Harr (Graduate Student, MS, Fall 2024 - )

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. I graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, with my bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science and a minor in natural resources and environmental science. I am very excited to join the Boundary Layer Meteorology research group at TTU. I will be studying thermodynamic parameters and state variables using radiosonde and lidar data throughout the duration of my master’s thesis research. I greatly enjoy field work, so I am looking forward to participating in it as part of my research. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, storm chasing, and also playing piano.

Alumnus

Tyler Danzig (Graduate Student, MS, 2022-2024)

After graduation, Tyler joined NWS Office at Burlington, VT

I am from Stafford, Virginia, a suburb south of Washington, DC. I graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences and a Minor in Geography. I would like to improve the way we communicate research topics so that we may educate those who are less informed. I am excited to continue my academic career at Texas Tech working within the Boundary Layer Meteorology Group via analyzing Urban Heat Island and associated Heat Advection from smaller-sized cities in the US. During my free time, I love to explore new places including new national parks, hiking, traveling, and watching the clouds, as all meteorologists do.

Zach Medley (Graduate Student, MS, 2022-2024)

After graduation, Zach joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Scientist)

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Minor in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I have previous research experience in Battery components, reaction engineering, and overlapping tornado and flash flood warnings (TORFF systems). As an MS student, I will be researching the use of ground-based and airborne lidar and meteorological measurements to understand atmospheric boundary layer dynamics, and the effects of these dynamics on aerosols and greenhouse gas dispersion in the lower part of the troposphere. In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike, swimming, and watching documentaries.. 

Remya Menon (Research Assistant, Summer 2023-Summer 2024) 

After graduation, Remya joined University of Wisconsin for Ph.D. work

I am a native of Ottapalam, a scenic town in the Indian state of Kerala. I did my B.Tech. in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the University of Calicut and my M.E. in Communication Systems from Anna University Coimbatore. I worked as a software engineer based in India and Singapore. I joined TTU in Fall 2022 to pursue an M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Atmospheric Science, Wind Energy, and English as well as a Graduate Certificate in Wind Energy (Technical Track). I am glad to be part of the Boundary Layer Meteorology Group and will be working mostly on the exploration of boundary layer moisture regimes over a semi-arid region using regular rawinsonde and ground-based tower measurements of state variables located in the southwest US . I also dabble in writing and photography. I greatly enjoy the outdoors and love to hike, bike, and travel whenever I get a chance.

Adrian Olano (Undergraduate Researcher, BS-Math, ATMO Minor 2023-2024)

I am from Midland, Texas. I am pursuing my BS with Major in Math and Minor in Atmospheric Sciences, and I intend on pursuing a MS in atmospheric science as well. I'm very interested in boundary layer processes making severe and extreme weather events, especially convection initiation. I very much look forward to researching at Texas Tech and hope to further our knowledge and understanding of Boundary Layer processes during extreme weather events. In my free time, I like to go to the gym, spend time with friends, and tracking severe weather from home.

Nicholas Clark ( Past MS Student: 2021-2023).

After graduation, Nick joined Penn State University for his Ph.D.

I hail from the small town of Merkel, Texas (aka The Windmill City). In May 2021, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Atmospheric Science from Texas Tech University. My previous work has focused on the effects of boundary layer dynamics over complex terrain and frontal boundaries on atmospheric boundary layer dynamics. For my Masters, I hope to continue my work in the field of Boundary Layer Dynamics as well as become an expert in lidar remote sensing systems. My hobbies include taking care of my pets (Maddie and Socrates), trying new recipes, and playing video games. 

Derek Curtis (UG Researcher, 2021-2022)

I am from Flower Mound, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas metroplex. I am currently working towards a Bachelors of Science in General Studies with concentrations in Atmospheric Science, Mathematics, and Wind Energy here at Texas Tech. Atmospheric Science has always been fascinating to me, especially that pertaining to severe weather. Even as a young boy an afternoon thunderstorm always captivated my attention.  I am excited to work on furthering our understanding of Boundary Layer Dynamics here at Texas Tech, and how the transfer of energy in our atmosphere affects day to day conditions. I am an avid Dallas sports fan, watching every game that I have the opportunity, and I love outdoor activities such as snow skiing and hunting when in season.

Michael Anand (Graduate Student (MS): 2020-2022)

Michael is currently a Meteorologist at the NWS Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

I am from Marietta, Georgia, a suburb northwest of Atlanta. I graduated from The Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. I would like to be involved in helping to better communicate many of the topics we research, to those who are not as well versed in the fundamental concepts that we, as meteorologists, learn about every day in our profession. I am ecstatic to start my graduate journey at Texas Tech and look forward to understanding the processes that occur every day in the boundary layer and interpreting those processes using scanning Doppler lidar measurements. During my free time, I really enjoy playing some golf and spending quality time outdoors. Whenever I get a chance, I always spend some time each day trying to improve my golf swing in order to produce better results on the course.

Matthew Hamel (Graduate Student (MS): 2020-2022)

Matthew has joined as a Ph.D. student in our group after finishing his MS in 2022. 

At TTU: I am from Fairhope, Alabama. I graduated from The University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Meteorology. My research background is in sea and bay breezes. I also love working with GIS. I am very excited to start my journey at Texas Tech as a master's student and explore the research avenues of boundary layer meteorology and carbon cycle! 

Samantha Walley (Graduate Student (MS), 2019-2021)

Sam is currently appointed in NOAA-MDL team as a Scientific Programmer. Before she worked as an Atmospheric Scientist with PEMDAS Technologies and Innovations. 

At TTU: I am from Fairhope, Alabama. I graduated from The University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Meteorology. My research background is in sea and bay breezes. I also love working with GIS. I am very excited to start my journey at Texas Tech as a master's student and explore the research avenues of boundary layer meteorology and carbon cycle! 

Alina Warraich (UG Research Scholar, Texas Tech Pi2 Program, 2020-2021)

I am from Lubbock, TX. I am an undergraduate student in Texas Tech. I have a background in computer science. I am excited to continue my education at Texas Tech as a Pi2 Scholar and look forward to the opportunities in the boundary layer meteorology research group! Would like to explore land-atmosphere interaction processes during synoptic scale events using West-Texas Mesonet data sets. 

Orin Gotchey (Research Scholar, Texas Tech Honors College): Fall 2018-Fall 2019

I am originally from Denver, Colorado;  I moved to Lubbock earlier this year. I have a background in computer science, as a programmer and a data analyst.  I am pursuing a dual degree in mathematics and physics, with specific interest in geophysics and geostatistics.  I look forward to researching with the team on the topic remote sensing atmospheric boundary layer parameters.