Contact Information
Urbana, IL 61801
Biography
The group of Climate Modeling, Prediction, and Applications (C-MPA) is dedicated to climate modeling, prediction, and applications. We investigate climate risks involving physical phenomena (e.g., cyclones) and socioeconomic factors (e.g., energy transition). Our research emphasizes synergizing theoretical research in geophysical fluid dynamics with exciting development in observational capabilities, machine learning, and real-world applications.
Beyond the pursuit of research excellence, we believe in the importance of diverse thinking and fostering a collaborative environment. We encourage group members with solid foundational skills to explore fascinating subjects like data science, exo-climate, and economics studies. We firmly believe that a diverse range of interests and experiences enriches our scientific endeavors and fosters a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.
Education
- PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2018
- M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2012
- B.S. in Marine Meteorology, Ocean University of China, 2011
Additional Campus Affiliations
Assistant Professor, Climate, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
External Links
Recent Publications
Chen, Z., Leung, L. R., Zhou, W., Lu, J., Lubis, S. W., Liu, Y., Chang, C. C., Harrop, B. E., Wang, Y., Yang, M., Zhang, G., & Qian, Y. (2026). Hierarchical Testing of a Hybrid Machine Learning-Physics Global Atmosphere Model. AGU Advances, 7(2), Article e2025AV002075. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025AV002075
Zhang, G., Lin, K. E., Fu, D., Knutson, T., Franke, J., & Tseng, W. L. (2026). Contextualizing contemporary seasonality variations in East Asian tropical cyclone landfalls with a multi-century historical baseline. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 9(1), Article 119. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-026-01354-3
Zhang, G. (2026). Track-Dependent Links Between Tropical Cyclones and Extratropical Predictability in Physical and AI Models. Geophysical Research Letters, 53(13), Article e2026GL122172. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122172
Chou, H. H., Shaw, T. A., & Zhang, G. (2026). Human influence on recent trends in extratropical low-level wind speed. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 9(1), Article 20. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-025-01292-6
Di Girolamo, L., Zhao, G., Zhang, G., Wang, Z., Loveridge, J., & Mitra, A. (2025). Decadal changes in atmospheric circulation detected in cloud motion vectors. Nature, 643(8073), 983-987. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09242-1