Matthew H. Hitchman

Professor Matthew H. Hitchman is a full Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he has been on the faculty since 1988. His research focuses on the dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean, including the general circulation, synoptic and mesoscales, volcanic aerosol distribution, and ozone climatology. He is currently investigating transport and mixing in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, the influence of tropical convection on the extratropics, and dynamical coupling between the troposphere and stratosphere.

• Education: Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, University of Washington (1985)

Professor Hitchman's research interests span atmospheric dynamics, synoptic meteorology, large-scale dynamics, climate change, and the role of inertial instability in midlatitude and tropical cyclones. His work involves the use of global datasets, aircraft data, and numerical models to explore the structure and evolution of the atmosphere, particularly in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). He has made significant contributions to understanding the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO), volcanic aerosol transport, and the dynamics of ozone distribution.

His recent publications include studies on the Iowa derecho of August 2020, teleconnections between the QBO and boreal winter surface climate, and the influence of gravity waves on the tropical tropopause layer. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and other agencies, and he has served as Principal Investigator for projects investigating Antarctic meteorology and ENSO influences on atmospheric circulation.

• Scientific Awards: While specific awards are not listed, his extensive publication record and leadership in research projects underscore his significant impact in atmospheric sciences.

Professor Hitchman has advised numerous Ph.D. and Master's students, as well as postdoctoral researchers. His current and former advisees include Yingshun Sun, Wenyuan Du, Charles R. Trepte, John A. Knox, and many others who have gone on to prominent positions in academia and government research institutions.

He teaches undergraduate courses such as AOS 171: Global Change: Atmospheric Issues and Problems, and graduate courses including AOS 610: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I, AOS 611: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics II, AOS 705: The Middle Atmosphere, and AOS 712: The General Circulation.