
Elizabeth N. Smith, Ph. D.
Research Meteorologist
Elizabeth studies the boundary layer at the NOAA-National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma.
Active Areas of Research
Mobile Doppler Lidar and Weather Sensing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
I lead work at NSSL developing and deploying mobile Doppler lidar systems and weather-sensing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in new ways. We deploy these platforms in environments outside their ‘standard’ mode-of-operation to collect critical information which helps us understand near- and pre-storm conditions and how we can observe them.
Boundary-Layer Observation Methods
Across all projects, I use modern methods of observing the boundary layer. Beyond UAS and lidar, I work closely with the OU and NOAA/NSSL CLAMPS platforms, and often evaluate new platforms that could enhance NSSL and NOAA mission goals. This area of work includes observation platforms and techniques or algorithms, especially multi-instrument combinations.
Next-Generation Observing Networks
Combining the research and development work we do at NSSL with the science questions I pursue with my team, we are exploring the future of observing networks. Next-generation observation networks require more capability, capacity, and adaptability than today’s to meet complex and evolving needs of society. This work specifically includes considering instrument combinations, value-added products, and cost efficacy.
Science Questions: What’s Up in the Boundary Layer?
My PhD focused on the Great Plains nocturnal low-level jet during PECAN. The topic and the bridge between boundary-layer and mesoscale science continue to be a point of interest. I also have research interests in the areas of convection initiation, near-storm environments, fire weather, wind energy, aviation, and other topics.
About Elizabeth…

Dr. Elizabeth Smith has been a research meteorologist at NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory since January 2020. Her scientific work at NSSL focuses broadly on boundary layer processes relevant to near- and pre-storm environments and convection initiation an how to observe them. She specializes in boundary-layer observations, including remote profiling and uncrewed aircraft. She earned a Ph.D. in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma in December of 2018 and spent a postdoctoral year at OU’s NOAA Cooperative Institute. Before graduate study at OU, she earned a B.S. in Meteorology at the California University of Pennsylvania—now called PennWest California—in 2014. Beyond her specialty-specific contributions, Dr. Smith is invested in making science tangible, applicable, and approachable for everybody. You can learn more by viewing her CV, heading to her About Me page, or getting in touch directly.
NSSL DREAM & BLISS Research
Dr. Smith is the federal team lead for the Developmental Research and Engineering for Applied Meteorology team at NSSL. This team is made up of scientists and engineers working to understand storms and conditions relevant to them by developing, testing, and ultimately deploying research-grade instrumentation. She also collaborates actively with the cross-institution Boundary Layer Integrated Sensing and Simulation (BLISS) research community located in the National Weather Center. Please visit the BLISS webpage for more frequent updates, collaborative project news, and more about this group.