Welcome to the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. The Department, part of the Earth Sciences Program that includes the collocated Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and climate earth sciences.
The department's research strengths are reinforced by strong collaborations leading to joint research topics with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland Departments of the Environment and of Natural Resources, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction of the National Weather Service, the NOAA Satellite and Air Research Laboratories, all of which are located near the campus.
Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, Professor and Chairman
AOSC Welcomes Jonathan Poterjoy as an assistant professor of atmospheric and oceanic science. He received his Ph.D. in meteorology from the Pennsylvania State University in 2014. Prior to his UMD appointment, Poterjoy held postdoctoral positions at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Poterjoy develops methods for weather prediction and forecasting, with a focus on tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms. 
We would like to congratulate AOSC alum C.J. Vernon, a U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. who published a first-author paper on his senior thesis research!
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The new UMD Global STEWARDS Training Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, welcomed its inaugural cohort of doctoral students in December. Twelve Global STEWARDS from five UMD schools and colleges (SPH, SPP, AGNR, CMNS, BSOS) will come together this year through interdisciplinary training and research opportunities aimed at creating innovative and sustainable solutions that ensure food, energy and water (FEW) security for future generations.
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Deirdre Dolan, an atmospheric and oceanic science major, honored Julian Lazarus of Linganore High School in Frederick, Maryland, and Timothy Canty, an associate research professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. “[Professor Timothy Canty] has been my greatest supporter by helping me find internships and other opportunities,” Dolan said. “With his guidance, I have worked to become the first student to be accepted into the five-year combined B.S. and M.S. program in atmospheric and oceanic science. I am extremely grateful to both of my extraordinary mentors who helped me grow into the person I am today.” Canty was also named as a faculty mentor by Merrill Scholars in 2015 and 2016.
