2019 PIRE Taiwan

 Incoming Program
  • Albany, NY, United States
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UAlbany Campus
UAlbany Campus
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Founded in 1844, the University at Albany is New York State’s oldest publicly founded university. Located in New York’s capital city, it is the premier public research University in the Capital Region and offers a world of opportunity to over 17,300 students, including 1,800 international students from more than 90 countries. UAlbany’s location in the state capital of New York provides students with limitless opportunities for public service and research through which you can gain experience, test your skills, and prepare to launch brilliant careers. The excellence of a UAlbany education is recognized by many independent sources. UAlbany is ranked among the top universities in Forbes’ “America’s Best Public Colleges,” and U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks many of our graduate programs among the top 50 in the United States, including clinical psychology, criminal justice, library and information studies, public affairs, public health, sociology, and social work.

Application Deadline

Forthcoming

Program Start

Forthcoming

Program End

Forthcoming

City

Albany, New York, United States

Program Term

  • Summer

Language of Instruction

English

Program Details

Academic Program

In today’s evolving world, you need more than the tools of a trade or knowledge that comes from a book. You need a broad view of the world—the ability to adapt, to accept new ideas, and to embrace, even lead, change. At UAlbany, you’ll find the resources and experiences you need to prepare for an unpredictable future.   And you’ll study and learn with a diverse group of students from around the globe—enriching your experience and opening you up to endless new ideas.

The Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) Summer Program at UAbany is designed for students from our partnering institutions in Taiwan: National Central University and National Taiwan University. Students will conduct research at the Mesonet, National Weather Service Albany Office, Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (DAES) and different research labs at the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC).

Lab and Research Opportunities:

Large-scale circulations associated with extreme weather events over eastern China and Northeastern United States
  • Supervisor/s: Supervisor/s: Dr. Wei-Chyung Wang, ASRC
  • Project Description: To identify and characterize the dynamic and thermodynamic aspects of large-scale circulations associated with the evolution of weather extreme events in the two regions.
  • Tasks: To conduct literature review and participate in research working closely with Dr. Guoxing Chen/ASRC in analyzing observations and regional climate model simulations.
  • Skill in computer usage; Background and training in atmospheric sciences
  • Website: https://www.albany.edu/asrc/Wei_Chyung_Wang.php
Analyze precipitation/circulation for near-Taiwan extreme tropical cyclones 
  • Supervisor/s: Dr. Sarah Lu, ASRC
  • Project Description: Understand TC-induced extreme rainfall in present-day base period and projected future climate by leveraging TCCIP dynamical down-scaling work 
  • Tasks: Case study: analyze extreme TC (top 1%) in present-day and projected future climate. Data set: HiRAM-WRF simulations conducted by NCDR. This work will align with on-going work by Cheng-Tai (NCU)
  • Requirements: Computer coding (for data analysis) experiences. Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences 
  • Website: http://www.albany.edu/asrc/cheng-hsuan-lu.php
Aerosol-radiation-cloud interaction in NCEP global models
  • Supervisor/s: Sarah Lu, ASRC
  • Project Description: Diagnostics and evaluation of global model simulations to understand aerosol-radiation-cloud interaction with the focus on extreme precipitation events in Northeast US and East Asia.
  • Tasks: Case study: analyze results of GFS simulations with different aerosol-radiation configuration. Data: GFS simulations conducted by Shih-Wei Wei (ASRC)
  • Requirements: Computer coding (for data analysis) experiences; Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences 
  • Website: http://www.albany.edu/asrc/cheng-hsuan-lu.php 
Impacts of Aerosols of Different Sources on Cloud Properties and Precipitation
  • Supervisor/s: Dr. Fangqun Yu, Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation Interactions, ASRC
  • Project Description: The research will be related to analysis of aerosol properties (and their spatiotemporal variations) in the atmosphere and the impacts of aerosols on cloud properties and precipitations. Both model results and data from observations (satellites) will be used for the analysis. The specific topics or regions of focus can be decided based on the interests of the students.
  • Tasks: 1) Analyze global aerosol, cloud, and precipitation data from both model simulations and observations; 2) Investigate long-term trends of aerosol, cloud, and precipitation in various regions of interesting; 3) Identify signals of aerosol impacts on clouds and precipitations; 4) (optional) Explore the community models (WRF-Chem, CESM-CAM5) to under the mechanisms of aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions.
  • Requirements: Skill in computer usage and data analysis; Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences.
  • Website: http://www.albany.edu/asrc/Fangqun_Yu.php 
Evaluation of initial condition vs. model physics uncertainty on a heavy rainfall forecast
  • Supervisor/s: Dr. Ryan Torn, (DAES)
  • Project Description: To investigate how precipitation uncertainty arises with initial condition uncertainty vs. model uncertainty
  • Tasks: (1) analyze WRF model simulations with various stochastic representations of Cd (2) Create plots of these two types of experiments and compare precipitation forecasts; (3) Provide analysis of results to Professor Torn and graduate student Lupo.
  • Requirements: Good computer coding skills; Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences
  • Website: http://www.albany.edu/atmos/ryan-torn.php
Understanding variations of particle number concentrations over Taiwan and implications to precipitation
  • Supervisor/s: Dr. Fangqun Yu,  ASRC
  • Project Description: By acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN), atmospheric particles play an important role in cloud microphysics and precipitation. Depending on atmospheric conditions, aerosols may enhance or inhibit precipitation. The objective of this project is understand the variations of particle number concentrations over Taiwan and possible effects on precipitation. Both model results and data from observations will be used for the analysis.
  • Tasks: 1) Analyze aerosol and precipitation data in Taiwan from both model simulations and observations; 2) Investigate variations of particle number concentrations and precipitation in Taiwan; 3) Carry out statistical analysis to study the influence of aerosols on precipitation in Taiwan under different atmospheric conditions and in different seasons.
  • Requirements: Strong skill in computer usage and data analysis; Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences.
  • Website: http://www.albany.edu/asrc/Fangqun_Yu.php 
Impacts of long-range transport on aerosol concentrations in Taiwan
  • Supervisor/s: Dr. Fangqun Yu,  ASRC
  • Project Description: The impacts of aerosol particles on air quality as well as cloud and precipitation are well established. The concentrations of particles in Taiwan are subject to the influence of particles from other regions in Asia. This project seeks to understand the impacts of long-range transport on aerosol concentrations in Taiwan region. Both model results and data from observations will be used for the analysis.
  • Tasks: 1) Analyze aerosol data from both model simulations and observations; 2) Understand variations of aerosol concentrations in Taiwan region, focusing on severe particle pollution events associated with long-range transport of  biomass burning, dust storm, and air pollution; 3) Identify seasonal variations and long-term trend of such transport events.
  • Requirements: Strong skills in computer usage and data analysis; Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences
  • Website: http://www.albany.edu/asrc/Fangqun_Yu.php
Understanding variations of CCN concentrations over the Northeastern United States (NEUS) and implications to cloud properties and precipitation
  • Supervisor/s: Dr. Fangqun Yu, ASRC
  • ?Project Description: By acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), atmospheric particles play an important role in cloud microphysics and precipitation. Depending on atmospheric conditions, aerosols may enhance or inhibit precipitation. The objective of this project is understand the variations of CCN concentrations over  the Northeastern United States (NEUS) and possible effects on cloud properties and precipitation. Both model results and data from observations will be used for the study.
  • Tasks: 1) Analyze aerosol and precipitation data in NEUS from both model simulations and observations; 2) Investigate variations of particle number concentrations and precipitation in NEUS; 3) Carry out statistical analysis to study the influence of aerosols on precipitation in NEUS under different atmospheric conditions and in different seasons.
  • Requirements: Strong skill in computer usage and data analysis; Basic knowledge about atmospheric sciences.
  • ?Website: http://www.albany.edu/asrc/Fangqun_Yu.php

Course Credit – NONE

About the Faculty

Students will have the opportunity to work closely with University at Albany experts in weather and climate prediction, and emergency response. 

The Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), of the State University of New York at Albany, was established on February 16, 1961 by the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, as a SUNY system-wide resource for developing and administering programs in basic and applied sciences related to the atmospheric environment. Research and development at ASRC spans a broad spectrum of scientific areas, including: advanced sensor development; laboratory and field experiments in atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, and aerosol microphysics; remote sensing of the environment; global aerosol forecasting, air quality, climate change, dispersion modeling; high performance computing, and data & visual analytics.

Cheng-Hsuan (Sarah) Lu

Expertise: Global aerosol modeling, regional air quality forecasting, and land surface modeling

Dr. Cheng-Hsuan Lu’s current research focuses on quantifying the distributions of tropospheric aerosols, its impact on weather forecasts and climate predictions, and improving aerosol forecasts through the assimilation of satellite and in situ aerosol observations.

Christopher Thorncroft

Expertise: Tropical weather and climate with an emphasis on variability of West African monsoon rainfall, tropical waves and Atlantic hurricanes

Dr. Christopher Thorncroft’s research is mainly focused on improving our understanding of the West African monsoon and how it impacts Atlantic tropical cyclone variability. The research spans a wide range of timescales from diurnal to multidecadal.

Ryan Torn

Expertise: Weather forecasting models, tropical cyclones, and atmospheric predictability

Dr. Ryan Torn’s research focuses on trying to understand atmospheric predictability by determining the source and growth of errors within numerical models across a number of timescales using ensemble forecasts. Having knowledge about error growth processes within numerical models also provides insight into the governing dynamics.

Wei-Chyung Wang

Expertise: Modeling and observational studies of climate changes due to changes in atmospheric constituents (gases and aerosols)

Dr. Wei-Chyung Wang is Professor of Applied Sciences at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY), and a member of Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. He received Doctor of Engineering Sciences from Columbia University studying the radiative effect of atmospheric aerosols, and has been using models and observations to study the climate effects of atmospheric greenhouse gases, ozone, and aerosols. His current research focuses on atmospheric aerosol-cloud-radiation-climate interactions, and historical climate over China.

Fangqun Yu

Expertise: Molecular scale investigation of environmental nucleation processes through computational quantum study and kinetic nucleation modeling, Formation and growth of tropospheric particles: Modeling, data analyses, and comparisons

Accommodations

Housing

Accommodations will be arranged by UAlbany.

Transportation

You will have access to UAlbany and CDTA public transportation. Transportation will be provided for program-related field-trips. 

Meals

Some meals will be included as part of your program. You will be responsible for most of your meals.

Costs

Students should contact their home university for information regarding program costs.

Eligibility Requirements

Your home university must select you and recommend you to this program. Questions about the terms of the agreement between your university and UAlbany should first be addressed to your university.

Entry Requirements

Please contact your home university for more information regarding the visa application process.

THERE ARE NO SCHOLARSHIPS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROGRAM.

Testimonials

Tzu-Ying Wu

The summer in Albany is incredibly inspiring to me. I am used to manipulating the scientific terms to explain the natural patterns, but it is hard for me to imagine what it really looks like in the real world. That is why this journey is so exciting to me; I can’t forget the time when I see the majestic scenery of cloud shadows on the Whiteface Mountain and the cumulus clouds on the windward side of a hill on the airplane. Also, I greatly appreciate Professor Wang, Wei-Chyung for advising me on the summer project. I not only learnt to process raw data by myself, but also develop a scientific question from a vague idea, and explore the possibilities to deal with a problem. I also benefits a lot from the brilliant scientists and faculties in ASRC. Thank you all for your generous help!

Wesley Wu

I was glad to have this opportunity to visit SUNY in 2016 summer through PIRE project. As an exchange student, I anticipated not only experiencing in American culture but also learning new research. Many people helped me become acquainted with their routines. According to my interests, which were observation and numerical weather prediction, I was matched with the Mesonet research study.

UAlbany’s campus is very beautiful, especially the fountain.. After finishing the daily schedule, I would go to the supermarket where I could buy some special foods that I had never seen in Taiwan. In addition, I went to many special places, including New York city, Whiteface Mountain, Six Flags, and so on. I was impressed by New York City, which was so beautiful and cool.

It was my first time ever in the U.S. and a little dream came true for me. Besides experiencing culture, we discussed how to improve the results in different ways. Thanks to the PIRE program, I was very happy this summer.

Chao-Cheng Tseng

I really appreciate PIRE project for giving us the opportunity to visit UAlbany and to get a research and cultural experience in the summer of 2016. In this period, I saw many instruments that I have never seen before and a powerful research team in ASRC. My mentors taught me with patience and told me as much as they could. I learned the principle of LIDAR and processed the data of LIDAR deployed at ASRC. The result was presented in PIRE annual meeting. Furthermore, the environment and culture also impressed me. My colleague and I went sightseeing in New York City and visited many landmarks that we have seen on the Hollywood movie. I went hiking with seniors, experiencing traditional food and daily life in America. Thank everyone for the help during these days, and giving me such a great summer internship experience in Albany.

 

Program Advisor

Moody, Rachel

rsmoody@albany.edu

Summer 2019 Program Dates

June 22-23: Arrival Dates

June 24: Research Program Begins

July 31: Research Program Concludes

August 1-2: Departure Dates

About UAlbany

Founded in 1844, the University at Albany is New York State’s oldest publicly founded university. Located in New York’s capital city, it is the premier public research University in the Capital Region and offers a world of opportunity to over 17,300 students, including 1,800 international students from more than 90 countries. UAlbany’s location in the state capital of New York provides students with limitless opportunities for public service and research through which you can gain experience, test your skills, and prepare to launch brilliant careers. The excellence of a UAlbany education is recognized by many independent sources. UAlbany is ranked among the top universities in Forbes’ “America’s Best Public Colleges,” and U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks many of our graduate programs among the top 50 in the United States, including clinical psychology, criminal justice, library and information studies, public affairs, public health, sociology, and social work.

The University at Albany enrolls students in nine degree-granting schools and colleges including its Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy; and its Schools of Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Public Health, and Social Welfare.

The Campuses

The Uptown Campus, the University’s main campus, is located at 1400 Washington Avenue in Albany, and has been described as “a distinctive work of modern art.” Home to many of the University’s Schools and Colleges, including the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Business, Criminal Justice, and Education.

Uptown Campus

The Uptown Campus also features the Performing Arts Center, the University Art Museum, and the Campus Center. The hub of student activity, the Camps Center includes lounges, meeting and dining rooms, a ballroom, a cafeteria, banking facilities, a convenience store, a Barnes & Noble bookstore, and a variety of both fast-food and healthy food options.

Outdoor recreational facilities include lighted tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, and several multipurpose playing areas, including a turf field for student recreational and intramural use. Indoor athletic facilities are dominated by the SEFCU Arena. With an arena seating capacity of nearly 4,800, the facility is home to NCAA Division I Great Dane basketball, and also houses a running track, a modern fitness center, a fully equipped athletic training complex. The Physical Education Center includes a pool, locker rooms, weight and wrestling rooms, a dance studio, and basketball, handball and squash courts. The facilities also include a 8,500-seat multi-sports stadium, home to football and men’s and women’s soccer.

Downtown Campus

The Downtown Campus, located at 135 Western Avenue in Albany, served from 1909-66 as the main campus. It houses the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, the School of Criminal Justice, and the School of Social Welfare, as well as the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Health Sciences Campus

The Health Sciences Campus, a former pharmaceutical complex located at One University Place in Rensselaer, is one of the region’s booming bioscience research and high-tech centers. Its academic anchor is the School of Public Health, and its research facilities include the Cancer Research Center, home to the Gen*NY*Sis Center for Excellence in Cancer Genomics, and the Center for Functional Genomics.

Airport Information

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office arranges pick up for semester and year-long exchange and study abroad students from the Albany International Airport on one designated day. More information regarding this service is available after acceptance to your program.

Many of our international students arrive in the U.S. at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York City or Newark (EWR) International
Airport in New Jersey. If you are coming from Asia, we advise you to book your flight through Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTT), or other airports with good connections to Albany. If you are continuing by airplane to Albany, use only a direct, non-stop connecting flight from your arrival airport to Albany.

If you arrive at one of the New York City or New Jersey airports, you have to plan your own transportation to Albany. Further information regarding travel to Albany is available here.

Train information

The Amtrak station is 15 minutes from campus and is easily accessible from NYC. Further information regarding train travel to Albany is available on the Amtrak website.

General Travel Advice

Further information regarding travel to Albany is available here.

At UAlbany, you won’t just live – you’ll thrive. Get involved in our 250+ clubs and organizations, root on our 18 NCAA Division I athletics teams, and explore off campus in our great college town or further afield in the great outdoors. Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find it here.

NOTE: As of January 1, 2019 the University at Albany will be a tobacco and smoke-free campus, proudly joining more than 1,800 tobacco and smoke-free colleges and universities across the United States. Smoking and other tobacco use will be prohibited on campus. Additional information on UAlbany’s tobacco-free policy and cessation resources (programs to assist in quitting smoking) are available on the UAlbany tobacco and smoke-free campus website.

Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation provides diverse, stimulating, and engaging recreational opportunities that enrich the UAlbany experience. We empower our community to lead healthy lifestyles by fostering an environment that supports physical, mental, and social growth. See the facilities schedules, browse group exercise and wellness programs, join intramural sports teams and open recreation events, or explore the outdoors

Athletics
Cheer on our Division I sports teams! UAlbany’s intercollegiate athletics program excels at the NCAA Division I level, producing competitive teams, successful coaches, and outstanding student-athletes recognized for their accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom. The University sponsors 18 varsity sports for men and women. Visit the DANEger Zone for student tickets.

Student Association

UAlbany’s Student Association is the recognized undergraduate student government on campus which was officially established in 1923, and has been operating in its current form since 1977. Student Association exists in order to provide and foster opportunities beyond those offered in the formal curriculum. The Student Association provides concerts, speakers, comedy shows, multicultural and gender programming, funds more than 200+ student groups, organizations, Student Legal Services, and Dippikill, an 847 acre wilderness retreat complete with cabins, campsites and a pond located in the heart of the Adirondacks. In addition, the Student Association represents the interests of the student body to the faculty, administration, and government.

Clubs and Organizations
UAlbany has more than 200 student clubs and organizations in which you can participate, as well as a wide variety of cultural, musical, and artistic events.

Find organizations, attend events, and track your involvement on the MyInvolvement website.

For a complete list of events, Visit the UAlbany GO website.

Each semester, the Center for International Education & Global Strategy (CIEGS) holds multiple events to assist our international students in becoming comfortable here at UAlbany. Some past events have included day trips to Boston and New York City, local apple picking, ski outings and holiday celebrations. There are multiple clubs, sports teams and athletic events!

View the programs and events listings on the International Student and Scholar Services web page.

In addition, UAlbany has more than 200 student clubs and organizations in which you can participate, as well as a wide variety of cultural, musical, and artistic events.

The University at Albany enjoys a strategic location in the City of Albany. The capital of the State of New York offers something for everyone, the center of a region remarkable for its natural and cultural resources. The Capital Region includes the cities of Albany, Schenectady and Troy, and has a population of approximately 838,000. Within a short distance are the Berkshires, the Catskills and the Adirondacks, the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. Major ski areas such as Killington, Gore, Hunter, Bromley, Stratton and Mt. Snow are within easy commuting distance. Saratoga Springs, 25 miles to the north, is internationally known as a sports, concert, and cultural center, and features outstanding thoroughbred and harness racing at Saratoga Race Track.

Four major malls and shopping centers, including Crossgates, Stuyvesant Plaza and Colonie Center, fall within one mile of campus. Albany nightlife is active with concerts, movies, theater, dancing, and nearly every kind of restaurant or eatery imaginable.