Interdisciplinary Research Experience for Undergraduates in Atmospheric and Geological Hazards
Study climate and geologic hazards through real research
Spend your summer doing research that tackles some of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. The Interdisciplinary Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University at Buffalo brings together students from across the country to study climate, atmospheric and geologic hazards through hands-on research. Over nine weeks, you will work closely with faculty mentors, develop research and communication skills and explore the Buffalo region.
Program dates: May 28 to July 30, 2026
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The REU program is hosted by the UB Center for Geological and Climate Hazards on UB’s North Campus. This nine-week summer program focuses on interdisciplinary research related to climate change and natural hazards.
Students work closely with two mentors from different disciplines who guide the research experience from start to finish. Together you will investigate real scientific questions and explore how research informs solutions to environmental challenges.
During the program, students:
- Work one-on-one with faculty mentors on an original research project
- Collaborate across fields such as atmospheric science, geology, geophysics and environmental science
- Participate in professional development workshops
- Present research findings at a closing symposium
Professional development sessions focus on:
- Science communication and research presentation
- Building mentorship and professional networks
- Applying to graduate school
- Research design and proposal writing
- Career exploration in climate and hazard science
By the end of the summer, students gain technical research skills, strengthen scientific communication and build a clearer understanding of graduate study and research careers.
- 7,000 dollar research stipend for the full program
- Summer housing in a LEED-certified UB residence hall
- Hands-on research focused on climate and geologic hazards
- Professional development workshops and career guidance
- Opportunities to present research at conferences and publications
- Networking with climate and hazard scientists at UB and beyond
- Social activities in the Buffalo region including visits to Niagara Falls State Park, Buffalo Museum of Science, Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve and Tifft Nature Preserve
Program timeline
- October 1: Applications open
- January 31: Application deadline
- February to March: Offers and waitlist notifications
- Mid-March: Deadline to accept first-round offers
- May 28: Arrival in Buffalo and housing check-in
- May 29 to July 28: Nine-week research experience
- July 29: Final research symposium
- July 30: Departure
Each student joins a faculty-led research team focused on a specific topic related to climate, atmospheric or geologic hazards. Projects include:
Can Carbon Capture Itself Be a Hazard?
Carbon capture technologies may help reduce atmospheric carbon, but they could also introduce environmental risks. Students will test potential pollutant scenarios in laboratory experiments to better understand ecological impacts.
Supervisors: Jonathan Boualavong, PhD;
Ian Bradley, PhD
The Great Lakes Snow Machine
This project studies what drives lake-effect snow in Western New York and why some storms become extreme. Students will analyze snowfall records alongside environmental data to better understand when heavy snow occurs and how it can be predicted.
Supervisors: Stuart Evans, PhD;
Elizabeth Thomas, PhD
The Hidden Archive of Dust Storm Events
Dust storms can affect transportation, infrastructure and public health, but they are difficult to track. Students will use news archives, mapping tools and AI to create a global dataset of dust storms and study how often they impact cities and regions.
Supervisors: Stuart Evans, PhD;
Andrew Crooks, PhD
Cyclists’ Experiences During Winter Weather at the University at Buffalo
This project investigates what it is like to bike on UB campuses during snowy and icy winter conditions. Students will gather route data and interview cyclists to identify safety concerns and explore ways to improve winter cycling infrastructure.
Supervisors: Austin Angulo, PhD;
Irina Benedyk, PhD; Andrew Crooks, PhD
Multi-day Trips on the Erie Canalway Trail
Students will study long-distance cycling along the Erie Canalway Trail, which begins in Buffalo and connects to the Empire State Trail. The research explores trip planning, safety, physical demands and the experiences of cyclists traveling through communities along the route.
Supervisors: Austin Angulo, PhD;
Irina Benedyk, PhD; Andrew Crooks, PhD
Did a Small Greenland Earthquake Trigger Icequakes Nearby?
Glaciers crack and shift as they move, producing “icequakes” that can be recorded by seismometers. Students will analyze seismic data from Greenland to determine whether a nearby earthquake changed glacier movement and icequake activity.
Supervisors: Kristin Poinar, PhD;
Eric Sandvol, PhD; Kniya Duncan (graduate student)
Systematic Comparison of Earthquake Ground Motions in Southeastern Turkey
This project analyzes data from aftershocks of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence. Students will compare ground motion from smaller and larger earthquakes to improve models used to design earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
Supervisors: Eric Sandvol, PhD;
Grigorios (Greg) Lavrentiadis, PhD
Advancing Seismic Site Characterization in the Northeastern United States
Students will help deploy seismic sensors and analyze ground motion data to understand how local geology affects earthquake shaking. The research will improve regional hazard assessments and infrastructure planning.
Supervisors: Eric Sandvol, PhD;
Grigorios (Greg) Lavrentiadis, PhD
AI and Remote-Sensing Integrated Rapid Coastal Flooding Warning and Prediction
This project uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to improve coastal flood predictions. Students will help build models that generate faster flood forecasts and high-resolution maps that support emergency response and climate resilience.
Supervisors: Xudong (Andrew) Fan, PhD;
Kang Sun, PhD; Yifan Cheng, PhD
Exploring the Spatial Characteristics of the ISMIP6 Antarctica Projection
Students will analyze Antarctic ice sheet model projections to understand how Antarctica’s ice may evolve over the next century and how that could influence global sea level rise.
Supervisors: Xiao Lou, PhD; Naveen Senthil; Sophie Nowicki, PhD
Forecasting Tree Die-off Subject to Multiple Stressors
Students will use plant and environmental data to study how climate stress, drought, wildfire and insects contribute to forest die-off. The project uses predictive models to better understand how forests respond to changing climate conditions.
Supervisors: Scott Mackay, PhD;
Stuart Evans, PhD
Permafrost Degradation in a Warming Climate
Students will use satellite and environmental data to map permafrost thaw and study how warming temperatures affect landscapes and infrastructure in regions such as Alaska, Siberia and the Himalayas.
Supervisors: Beata Csatho, PhD;
Ivan Parmuzin, PhD
Examining Tectonic Hazards in South-Central Alaska
This project explores how tectonic forces interact to shape earthquake hazards in south-central Alaska. Students will use large-scale computer simulations to study how plate motion and major faults influence stress in the Earth’s crust.
Supervisors: Margarete Jadamec, PhD;
Matt Knepley, PhD
The REU program is designed for undergraduate students who are curious about climate and geologic hazards and interested in research careers.
Applicants should:
- Be pursuing an undergraduate degree related to climate science, geoscience or environmental hazards
- Be entering sophomore, junior or senior year
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be interested in scientific research. Prior research experience is not required
Students who are first-generation college students, attend institutions without strong research infrastructure or bring new perspectives to STEM fields are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must complete the online REU application and submit required materials including:
Your resume should include:
- Postsecondary institutions attended and dates
- Research, teaching or science-related experience if applicable
- Additional information relevant to your preparation or interests
Prior research experience is not required.
Applicants submit two short essays through the application portal.
- Required essay: “What unique qualities, characteristics and values will you bring to our REU program?”
- Optional essay: “In what ways have climate or geohazards influenced you?”
Each essay should be no more than two pages.
Upload a current transcript to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Application deadline is January 31 at 5 p.m. EST
All materials must be submitted by this deadline for full consideration in the first round of offers. Applications received after this date may be considered and placed on a waitlist.
If you want to spend your summer tackling climate and geologic hazards while building real research skills, the UB REU program offers an opportunity to work with leading scientists and explore the Buffalo region.
Questions about the program? We are happy to help. Email us at: geoclimhaz-reu@buffalo.edu
Sophie Nowicki, PhD
Scientific Director
Center for Geological and Climate Hazards
Kelly Thuman, MBA
Administrator
Center for Geological and Climate Hazards