Two New Professors Join the School of Meteorology

Two New Professors Join the School of Meteorology

After a delay due to the start of the global pandemic, the School of Meteorology has been able to hire two new early career professors! Dr. James Ruppert and Dr. Marcela Loria-Salazar joined the School in January 2021 as assistant professors. Dr. Ruppert’s expertise is primarily in Atmospheric Dynamics; his research group is called the Convective Storm Dynamics Lab. Dr. Loria-Salazar has been part of the CLoud-CLimatE-Aerosol-Radiation ((CL)2EAR) research group since 2019, originally as a post-doctoral scientist; she works on a broad range of topics relevant to atmospheric composition. In addition to research, they’ll both serve as instructors and mentors, teaching and advising  graduate and undergraduate students. The School’s student population continues to grow, which makes both of these contributions extremely vital.

Dr. Ruppert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science from the State University of New York at Albany; his graduate degrees are also in Atmospheric Science, from Colorado State University. He uses the pronouns he/him/his, and prefers that students call him James. During the pandemic, email is the best way to reach out to him.

Dr. Ruppert: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining this distinguished family of scientists, educators, and students. I look forward to getting to know and working with each of you, and to developing new collaborations around both the SoM and broader NWC.”

Dr. Loria-Salazar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from the University of Costa Rica, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Nevada. In the fall, she plans to teach a new course in Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution. She welcomes students to call her simply Dr. Loria, and her pronouns are she/her/hers. While Covid precautions are still in place, the best way to contact her is via email.

“I feel very excited to expand the OU’s Meteorology program into Atmospheric Science by teaching and researching aerosols, atmospheric chemistry, and air pollution. I want to meet everyone and be able to collaborate with faculty and students,” said Dr. Loria.

The expertise that these early career professionals bring to the School fits well into the increasingly broad teaching and research scope, while maintaining historical strengths. We look forward to seeing the great work they’ll do!