Deep Convective Storms, Mesoscale Convective Systems, Microphysics, Storm Electrification, Land Surface-Boundary Layer Interactions, Dryline Studies, Initiation of Deep Moist Convection, Doppler Analysis, Cloud/Mesoscale Modeling and Data Assimilation.

My research interests focus on the initiation and evolution of severe precipitating mesoscale weather systems, with special recent emphasis on how the mesoscale environment evolves into a state capable of initiating and sustaining deep, moist convection. A second, longer-term emphasis is on the electrification process(es) in thunderstorms. I've approached these studies using a mix of observations, models, and theory. An interdisciplinary research strategy is important, since specific mesoscale weather phenomena are influenced by such a large range of scales and physical components.

My work contributes to the development and refinement of conceptual mesoscale models, which in turn facilitate improved forecasting and help provide a sound basis for planning and conducting field programs such as the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment (VORTEX), the Mesoscale Convective System Electrification and Polarimetric Radar Study (MEaPRS), and the International H2O Project. Other recent collaborative efforts are directed toward developing mobile C-band Doppler radars for convective initiation and storm research; developing tools for assimilating CG and total lightning data into mesoscale forecast models; and the simulation of storm electrification and lightning with three-dimensional cloud models.