Michael Cottman Morgan

Michael Cottman Morgan is a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, affiliated with the College of Letters and Science. He holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has served as Chair of the department’s undergraduate program for multiple terms (2005–2007, 2008–2010, 2014–2022). His research focuses on synoptic meteorology, large-scale atmospheric dynamics, and the predictability of mid-latitude and tropical weather systems.

• Education:
  • PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dr. Morgan’s research applies adjoint-derived forecast sensitivity fields to analyze weather systems, with a particular emphasis on snowstorms, frontogenesis, and optimal perturbation evolution. His work bridges theoretical frameworks (e.g., Eady model, potential vorticity inversion) and practical weather prediction tools. Recent publications highlight synoptic-dynamic interpretations of sensitivity gradients and predictability challenges in weather modeling.

He has contributed extensively to academic service, including leadership roles in the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the World Meteorological Organization. In 2015, he was honored as an AMS Fellow. His sabbatical experiences include serving as an AMS/UCAR Congressional Science Fellow (2007–2008) and National Science Foundation Division Director for Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (2010–2014).

• Scientific Awards:
  • Fellow, American Meteorological Society (2015)

Dr. Morgan has supervised multiple PhD students, including Dr. Eric Rappin, Dr. Hyun Mee Kim, and Dr. Chih-Chieh "Jack" Chen. His research group investigates topics such as rotating tank experiments, isentropic trajectories, and non-linear balance PV inversion, with applications to the National Collegiate Weather Forecasting Contest.