Dr. Uma Bhatt
I majored in Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate and was planning to attend graduate school in the area of alternate energy. After finishing my BS degree, I joined the U.S. Peace Corps and served as a high school math teacher in Kenya for two years (1983-85). The dramatic drought in East Africa during this time and the amazing atmospheric phenomena I experienced at our rural secondary school made me decide to pursue a graduate degree in Atmospheric Sciences. This has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made! We are living through a particularly exciting time in atmospheric sciences as our understanding of the chemistry and physics of the earth system is advancing at a phenomenal rate. In addition, we are observing dramatic changes in the climate. Atmospheric science requires strong math, computer, and science skills. If you think you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, do not hesitate to contact me or any of the other Atmospheric Sciences faculty at UAF. UAF has excellent resources (extensive library resources, supercomputer center, and experts on polar processes in a variety of areas) and is a place where a resourceful student can excel. Doing research and teaching is a bit like the Peace Corps, namely "The toughest job you will ever love".
Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
Courses taught
ATM F480 Climate Change Processes: Past, Present, Future
ATM F620 Climate Journal Club Seminar
Select Publications
Research
Climate Variability and Change
Service
- Member of Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) Science Steering Committee (SSC)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Atmospheric Sciences Department Chair
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) Director