Project Summary: Investigating Surface Mechanical and Thermodynamic Forcing of Convective Development at the Continental-to-Maritime Transition Zone of West Africa:

West Africa is a major monsoon region with significant implications for global weather and climate. In particular, mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in this region frequently intensify and expand as they transition from land to ocean. This project aims to investigate how unique coastal surface conditions—including both mechanical (e.g., wind convergence) and thermodynamic (e.g., moisture flux) forcing—affect the structure and evolution of these MCSs.

The research involves collaboration with scientists at the University of Oklahoma and NCAR, offering the student opportunities to engage with a broader atmospheric science community and benefit from additional expertise in satellite observations, numerical modeling, and tropical meteorology.

How to Apply: Interested applicants must apply for admission to the University of Kansas graduate program You are welcome to contact Dr. Shun-Nan Wu (snwu@ku.edu) with specific questions about the project or to express your intent to apply. Please note that informal applications or resumes sent by email will not be evaluated. All applicants will be reviewed through the formal application process, and only selected candidates will be contacted for further consideration.