Robert Fovell

Robert Fovell is a Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University at Albany, SUNY. He holds a PhD from the University of Illinois (1988) under Prof. Yoshi Ogura. Previously, he served at UCLA from 1991 to 2015. His research focuses on mesoscale and convective meteorology using numerical models, covering topics like tropical cyclones, boundary layer dynamics, and climate classification. His work is funded by NSF, NASA, NOAA, and private sector entities. He has received teaching awards including the UCLA Eby Award (2005) and AMS Teaching Excellence Award (2012). Fovell teaches courses such as Numerical Weather Prediction and Mesoscale Modeling. He has authored educational materials, including the video course Meteorology: An Introduction to the Wonders of the Weather (2010).

Education:

• PhD, 1988, University of Illinois (Atmospheric Sciences)

Research Interests:

• Mesoscale and convective-scale numerical modeling
• Squall lines, tropical cyclones, sea breezes
• Boundary layer rolls and gravity waves
• Climate classification methodologies

Awards and Honors:

• UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award (2005)
• American Meteorological Society (AMS) Teaching Excellence Award (2012)

Current Courses (Fall 2024):

• ATM 419/563: Numerical Weather Prediction
• ATM 562: Numerical Methods and Modeling

Professional Service:

• Former Chair of UCLA College of Letters and Science Faculty (2007–2009)
• AMS Committee on Mesoscale Processes Chair (2009–2011)
• Co-chair of AMS Michio Yanai Symposium (2011)