SoGES 2026-2027 Diana Wall Sustainability Leadership Fellows

Bo Chen, Postdoctoral Fellow, mentored by Research Scientist Russel Perkins:

I use aircraft measurements to study how clouds form and respond to environmental changes in the Arctic. My research focuses on aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the air, and especially the small fraction that can trigger water droplets to freeze into ice. Because ice formation strongly affects cloud lifetime, snowfall, and how clouds reflect or trap heat, these particles can influence Arctic weather and climate. By combining field measurements with data analysis, I work to better understand how aerosols shape cloud behavior in a rapidly changing polar environment.

Daniel Veloso-Aguila, Postdoctoral Fellow, mentored by Rasmussen:

In South America, extreme storms are a serious threat to lives and property. I study what makes these storms tick—specifically the strength of their rising air currents, which determine if a storm will produce a tornado or large hail. Using advanced atmospheric modeling, I’m investigating how these ‘storm engines’ might intensify in the future. This data is vital for building resilience and protecting communities in areas most at risk.

Congratulations on being named School of Global Environmental Sustainability Diana Wall Sustainability Leadership Fellows!