Xian Lu

Dr. Xian Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Clemson University's College of Science, where she leads the Computational Atmosphere Group. She joined Clemson in 2016 after serving as a Research Scientist at CIRES, University of Colorado Boulder (2013-2016) and CIRES Postdoctoral Fellow (2012-2013). Her research focuses on atmospheric wave dynamics and magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling using advanced numerical modeling, supercomputing, and machine learning techniques.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011)
• M.S. in Space Physics, Wuhan University (2006)
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University (2003)

Her research explores atmospheric wave coupling from the lower to upper atmosphere and magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere interactions. She utilizes satellite observations (GOLD, ICON, COSMIC), ground-based instruments (lidar, radar), and develops numerical models including TIEGCM and WACCM. Her group applies data assimilation and machine learning techniques to study space weather and atmospheric dynamics.

Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on gravity wave propagation, thermosphere-ionosphere responses to geomagnetic storms, atmospheric tides, and volcanic eruption impacts. Research consistently integrates observational data with advanced modeling approaches to understand space weather phenomena and atmospheric coupling mechanisms.

Awards and Honors:

• Dean's Professor Award, Clemson University (2021)
• Rising Star in Discovery Award (2020)
• NSF CAREER Award (2018)
• NCAR Advanced Study Program Fellowship (2018)
• CIRES Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012)

Dr. Lu leads multiple federally funded projects including NSF/ANSWERS, NASA/GIGI, and NSF/CAREER awards. She advises 4 graduate students and has graduated 5 PhD students. Her Computational Atmosphere Group develops models on Clemson's Palmetto cluster and collaborates with NCAR, Virginia Tech, and international institutions.