Elizabeth Smith, Ph.D.

I sincerely enjoy working with students! I hold an affiliate assistant professor appointment in OU’s School of Meteorology. Occasionally I have paid research positions, but I also mentor students through programs like the NWC REU, NOAA’s Lapenta program or via other research opportunities. If you’re interested in the type of research I do and would like to explore student research options, please get in touch. Feel welcome to schedule a time for us to talk.

In my work with students, I aim to be clear about what my expectations are for our time working together. When initiating a new mentoring or supervising relationship, I begin by providing students a summary of expectations, which we jointly review. The document I use is based generally on a similar process developed by Dr. Mary K. Salcedo. The expectations document I use is a living document that updates overtime. For the most recent version, please get in touch, and I can provide the relevant version! I also encourage all prospective students to contact current and previous students (listed below) to understand my working style.
Salcedo, Mary. (2020). Undergraduate Expectations Document – working with Dr. Salcedo. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4000437

Courses

METR 4603/5603 – Advanced Observations for Lower Atmospheric Research
I developed this class and began offering it at OU in fall 2021. I plan to offer it every other year in the fall.

Current Students

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Alejandro Medina NOAA EPP NERTO 2025 Exploring sampling approaches for NSSL’s UAS applications Degree: MS, Computer Engineering University of Texas at El Paso Expected Graduation: 2026 — I mentor Alejandro during his 12-week experience at a NOAA facility as part of his studies as a NOAA EPP/MSI CESSRT Graduate Scholar. During his time at NSSL, he will work with me to explore and develop adaptive sampling strategies for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).	Matt Ammon Graduate Research 2023–2025 Venturing into the Vertical: OSSEs and 3D mesonets Degree: Master of Science, Meteorology University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology Expected Graduation: 2025 (Matthew also worked with me as an undergraduate student 2022-2023). — Matt is studying potential designs of future 3D mesonet networks using observing system simulation experiments. These experiments rely on high-fidelity observation emulators. Using two cases of high-impact convection with differing evolution and environmental conditions, different network designs can be evaluated in terms of their impact on numerical weather prediction. These evaluations include forecast skill, instrument capability and feasibility, and cost efficacy.
Abdullah al Tasim Graduate Research 2022-2025 Advancing CopterSonde Technology for Next Generation Observations Degree: MS, Mechanical Engineering University of Oklahoma Expected Graduation: 2025 — Tasim is directly advised by my colleague, Tony Segales. However, I am the PI funding his work via my NOAA OMAO project PRODIGEE, which is developing the next generation of CopterSonde to meet NOAA mission needs.	Michelle Storm (Spencer) Graduate Research 2022-2025 Exploring Sea Breezes, Convection, and Boundary Layer Processes Degree: PhD, Meteorology University of Oklahoma Expected Graduation: 2025 (Michelle also worked with me as an undergraduate REU student in 2019). — Michelle is co-mentored by Dr. Petra Klein and supported by the TRACER project. She earned her BS at Metropolitan State University and MS at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, both in Atmospheric Science. Her PhD work will use boundary layer observations collected during the TRACER project in coastal Houston, TX. She will focus on the interactions between sea breezes, urban boundary layers, boundary layer processes, and convection initiation.
Arianna Jordan Graduate Research 2020-2025 Boundary layer flow associated with wind energy resources Degree: PhD, Meteorology University of Oklahoma Expected Graduation: 2025 — Arianna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from San Jose State University and a Master of Science degree in atmospheric science from Howard University before joining the PhD program at OU. I serve as a co-adviser for Arianna alongside Dr. Petra Klein (OU/SoM/AGS) and scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Arianna’s work will explore boundary layer features and flow in the context of wind energy resources. Learn more about Arianna on her webpage.	I am not seeking new graduate students at this time due to lack of funded opportunities. – SP25

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Previous Students

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