Stephen Nesbitt

Stephen Nesbitt is a Professor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences School of Earth, Society & Environment. He holds a PhD in Meteorology from the University of Utah and leads the Climate, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences department. His roles include Professor in the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies and Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Education: PhD in Meteorology (University of Utah), MS (Texas A&M University), BS with Honors (SUNY Oswego).

Research focuses on severe weather dynamics, cloud physics, and climate interactions. Key projects include the PERiLS tornado study in the southeastern U.S. and the RELAMPAGO-CACTI campaign in Argentina. His work examines overshooting tops in thunderstorms, cumulus cloud properties in the tropical Pacific, and soil moisture impacts on rainfall patterns in South America. Nesbitt also contributes to urban meteorology studies, including the Urban Canyons 2024 campaign in Chicago.

Scientific contributions span over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on microphysical processes, mesoscale convective systems, and radar-based tornado prediction tools. He leads interdisciplinary projects linking atmospheric science with Latin American studies and urban environmental challenges.