Li Dong

Li Dong is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He joined SUSTech in July 2018 after holding academic positions at Auburn University in the United States where he served as Research Assistant Professor and Instructor.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from Cornell University (2006), an M.S. from the Lanzhou Institute of Plateau and Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2000), and a B.S. from Lanzhou University (1997).

Professor Dong's research spans several critical areas in atmospheric science, with primary focus on midlatitude block onset mechanism and the dynamical linkage between atmospheric blocking and extreme weather. His work also encompasses typhoon rapid intensification from large-scale atmospheric dynamics perspective, onshore and offshore wind resource assessment, regional climate simulation with MPAS model, and paleoclimate dynamics for periods like the Last Glacial Maximum and Mid-Holocene. His innovative approach to wind resource assessment using cluster analysis and artificial intelligence has significantly advanced quantitative methods in renewable energy planning.

His publication record demonstrates a consistent contribution to top atmospheric science journals including Journal of Atmospheric Sciences, Journal of Climate, and Monthly Weather Review. His research shows a clear progression from fundamental atmospheric dynamics to practical applications in renewable energy and extreme weather prediction.

• Associate Editor of Monthly Weather Review (2008-2012)
• Panelist of AWEA Annual Workshop of Wind Resource Assessment (2009)
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from Cornell University (2003)

Professor Dong has successfully secured research funding including a National Natural Science Foundation project on 'Dynamical Study of Interaction between Midlatitude Atmospheric Static Stability and Blocking High' (630,000 RMB, 2020-2023) and a Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission project on 'Theoretical Study of Extreme Weather Outbreak Mechanisms in Shenzhen and Surrounding Areas' (300,000 RMB, 2020-2023). His industry experience at WindLogics Inc. (2007-2009) where he served as Senior Atmospheric Scientist provides valuable practical perspective to his academic work.

As part of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at SUSTech, Professor Dong contributes to a growing research environment that includes 31 faculty members with expertise in geophysics, space physics, satellite geodesy, and planetary science, working toward establishing a world-class research and education center for Earth and Space Sciences.