Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

The principal objective of the graduate program is to prepare students for successful careers and leadership roles in private and government research laboratories, and in academia. Mentoring by faculty ensures emphasis on the development of integrity, respect, decency, dignity, and responsibility, in a tradition explicitly incorporated in the mission plan of the university. Essential support is provided by the department’s research center, the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS). The center hosts research faculty, support personnel, and the infrastructure required to maintain vigorous programs of sponsored research. Intellectual vitality fostered by active research is integral to Hampton University’s institutional vision, and CAS is a key resource for experiential learning for students, and for the professional development of faculty.

What Do We Study?

Atmospheric Science is the study of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of gases, clouds, and aerosols that surround the planetary bodies of the solar system. Planetary Science is the study of the origin and evolution of the planetary bodies in the solar system and beyond. At HU, researchers study the dynamics of planetary interiors and the interaction of the solid planet and atmosphere.

Why Is It Cutting-Edge?

"In this age, remote sensing in general, and weather prediction, in particular, is impossible without satellite observations that allow us to get global coverage in a few hours or even minutes. The development and construction of space instruments are the most cutting-edge areas of modern technology. It combines and requires not only a fundamental background in math and physics but also in engineering, computer sciences, and many other fields. This is why successful education in atmospheric sciences provides students with knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of different scientific areas." - Stanislav Kireev, Ph.D.

Areas of Research

• Ozone Trends & Atmospheric Chemistry
• Polar Stratospheric & Mesospheric Clouds
• Lidar and Related Technologies
• Remote Sensing
• Satellite Data Assimilation in Forecast Models
• Global aerosol, cloud, and trace gas climatologies
• Solar Variability & Effects on Earth
• Space Weather
• Planetary Magnetospheres & Aurorae

Partners and Sponsors

APS is devoted to increasing the participation of minorities in the fields of Atmospheric, Space, and Planetary sciences. The department and the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) maintain strong partnerships with:

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA GSFC)
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center (NOAA CREST)
• crest.ccny.cuny.edu
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – National Environment Satellite, Data and Information Services (NOAA NESDIS)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aeronomy Laboratory
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Army Research Lab
• Naval Research Lab
• Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
• British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
• GATS, Inc Atmospheric Science
• National Institute of Aerospace
• University of Colorado
• lasp.colorado.edu
• University of Iowa
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan
• oss.engin.umich.edu
• University of Virginia
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin
• George Mason University
• cos.gmu.edu/departments/aoes
• Georgia Tech
• North Carolina A&T
• cas.ncat.edu/~physics
• North Carolina State University
• Utah State University
• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC)