Zhaoxia Pu

Dr. Zhaoxia Pu is a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah and an Adjunct Professor at the School of Computing. Recognized as a Fellow of both the American Meteorological Society and the Royal Meteorological Society, she serves on the NOAA Science Advisory Board and has led 38 federally funded projects from agencies including NOAA, NASA, NSF, DOE, and ONR.

• Specializes in numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, and AI/machine learning for high-impact weather systems
• Developed advanced methods integrating satellite/radar data (GOES-R, CYGNSS, TROPICS) with Earth system models (UFS, E3SM, WRF)
• Recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Research Award and 2023 Provost's Banner Project recognition

Research Trends: Her recent publications focus on:

• Machine learning approaches for precipitation retrieval using GOES-R data
• Cold fog microphysics and visibility parameterization in complex terrain
• Tropical cyclone dynamics through radar and lidar data assimilation
• Boundary layer turbulence in landfalling storms
• Drought mechanisms linked to synoptic-scale circulation
• New particle formation in mountainous regions

Scientific Leadership:

• Lead scientist for CFACT NSF field campaign (2021–2025)
• Editorial board member of leading journals
• Active reviewer for NSF, DOE, NOAA, and NASA

Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches Numerical Weather Prediction, Atmospheric Dynamics, and Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences courses. Has supervised 28 graduate students to completion.