Opportunities

GOES satellite view of tropical convection over the Atlantic, South America, and West Africa

Two Funded Graduate Positions: Tropical Weather Modeling and Extremes

Northern Illinois University | Spring or Fall 2027

Dr. Quinton Lawton is seeking two MS or PhD students to join the Weather, Climate, and Society (WCS) research group in the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment (EAE) at Northern Illinois University. Both students would be funded as Research Assistants, which includes a stipend and tuition waiver.

Research Focus

Students would investigate the dynamics and prediction of tropical atmospheric waves and their connection to extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, flooding, and tropical cyclone formation. Both graduate projects would utilize high-resolution numerical model output alongside reanalysis and observational datasets. Our team also has an interest in applying AI/ML methods to tropical prediction. Projects are flexible and would be designed together with each student.

Building collaborations with operational centers and engaging in public outreach are core tenets of our research group. Students would have opportunities to connect their research with these external collaborators and to travel to other institutions and conferences.

Applying

Interested students should contact Dr. Quinton Lawton (qlawton@niu.edu) to discuss the positions. Prospective students are encouraged to learn more about Dr. Lawton’s research and that of the WCS group at quintonlawton.com and the WCS group page. More information on the graduate program can be found on the EAE graduate program page.

Download the position flyer (PDF)

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate researchers interested in tropical weather and atmospheric science are welcome to inquire about research opportunities starting as soon as Spring 2027. Please reach outniu to discuss possible projects.