The CliMAS Graduate Ambassadors serve as a resource for prospective graduate students interested in the Department of Climate, Meteorology, and Atmospheric Sciences. 

For questions, please contact atmos-grad-ambassador@illinois.edu.

Matthew Graber

Matthew Graber

  • Matthew’s research focuses on tornado trends and variability. It is a cross between severe weather and climate change. He gets a little excited when a storm comes through the Champaign area. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, he loves being outside and hanging out with his friends. Matthew is a competitive distance runner, and he enjoys watching and playing sports. His favorites, though, are baseball and basketball. Matthew is looking forward to getting to know the new graduate student class when they arrive at UIUC this fall! 
Sam Frederick

Sam Frederick

  • Sam's research focuses on aerosol modeling at high spatial resolution using the particle resolved model PartMC. He is originally from North Carolina, and outside of work, enjoys playing the cello, listening to music, and trying out new vegetarian recipes. He is most excited to connect with prospective students and help them get acquainted with the department.
Jackie Sepulveda

Jackie Sepulveda

  • Jackie's research focuses on extreme precipitation events in the southeast United States that have led to infrastructure damages. She is originally from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, and enjoys gardening, nature walks, and trying new coffee shops around campus. She is most excited to get to meet with prospective students to help them feel like UIUC is home.
Garrett Statum

Garrett Statum

  • Garrett's research focuses on cold pool properties of tornadic linear storms. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and outside of work he enjoys distance running, hiking, cooking, and especially watching and playing sports. He is excited to bond with the new graduate student class both inside and outside of the office!
Kaitlyn Jesmonth

Kaitlyn Jesmonth

  • Kaitlyn’s research involves studying the dynamics and microphysics of snowbands in Northeast U.S. winter storms. She is from New York, loves being outdoors, taking photos, listening to music, and watching sports. Kaitlyn is looking forward to welcoming the new cohort of incoming students as well as representing the department at outreach events.
Kaylie Bonifer

Kaylie Bonifer

  • Kaylie's research is interdisciplinary with focuses on winter weather hazard communication and analysis of snowfall total observations. She is originally from French Lick, Indiana. A fun fact about Kaylie is she has a fluffy black cat named Sebastian. Kaylie is excited to be an ambassador because she loves meeting new people from all over the world and the US. She also knows choosing the right graduate school program is difficult and wants to help make that process a little easier.
Anthony Corrales

Anthony Corrales

  • Anthony's research is on the intersection of tropical meteorology and bilingual risk communication. Originally from North Carolina, Anthony enjoys traveling -- he has visited 4 countries in the same day. As a prospective student, he was able to interact with the other graduate student ambassadors and be introduced to UIUC. He liked being shown some insight on the department and having a good point of contact to begin his journey, and wants to be able to be that experience for a future student.
Alia Nasution

Alia Nasution

  • Alia's research focuses on the risk of flood. She enjoys playing badminton and cooking. Coming from the tropical country of Indonesia, she’s exploring new horizons as an international student, adapting to a different culture and studying style. She appreciates being in the Climas Department, where the friendly, family-like atmosphere has helped her settle in. Now, she’s excited to share this inclusive environment with new incoming students.