The weather and the atmosphere have a tremendous impact on business and industry, governments, and societies, and researchers in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science aim to better understand this dynamic set of systems. From modeling the intricacies of snowfall to understanding how tornadoes and hurricanes take shape to detailing the atmospheric chemistry of the rainforest, researchers cover the gamut of the interactions between the atmosphere and the land.
Department Head: Paul Markowski
Associate Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Melissa Gervais
Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs: Jon Nese
Associate Head of Graduate Programs: Jerry Harrington
Degrees offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D., minors, and certificates
Website: https://met.psu.edu
The Alumni Association chatted with Emmy-nominated meteorologist Cheryl Nelson, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences graduate, about her journey from Penn State to national broadcast news and beyond.
Accurate air quality forecasts are critical for helping people limit exposure and for guiding regulatory action. However, a new study led by Fan Wu, a doctoral student in meteo, suggests some of the computer models that agencies rely on may not be getting it right.
EMS recognized exceptional staff at its annual Dean’s Staff Appreciation Luncheon held in December 2025 at the Nittany Lion Inn. The awards program consists of three annual awards, the Future Star Award, Circle of Excellence, and the EMS Ambassador. The Charles Hosler Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Award was also recognized.
Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology and atmospheric sciences, will give the talks "West Africa poised for late 21st century climate injustice: Modeling increasing anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) and changes in Saharan mineral dust."
William Brune, distinguished professor of meteorology and atmospheric science at Penn State, was awarded the 2026 Warren Washington Research and Leadership Medal.
The Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) has recognized eight Penn State researchers for outstanding contributions to energy and environmental research, scholarship and mentorship.
Hail researchers sleuth for clues to hail formation, damage during first major US research campaign in four decades.
Penn State researchers have found that tidal freshwater marshes along the Delaware River may act as major traps for microplastics, capturing large amounts of plastic particles before they reach the ocean.
Fifteen faculty members have joined IEE. Together, they bring expertise that connects energy systems, environmental processes and human dimensions, opening new pathways for collaboration and shared research efforts.
Yvette Richardson became the seventh in her field to earn the Nikolai Dotzek Award, the most prestigious prize in the severe weather research community.