I am always looking for prospective graduate students (MS or PhD) to work on topics related to snowmelt and snow hydrology, land-atmosphere interactions, or land surface hydrology.  My research often applies statistical/data science methods to observational data, especially from remote sensing, but I also conduct modeling and simulation studies.

Here are a few possible research topics:

  1. Mapping the frequency and timing of snow melt events from passive microwave satellite data across the globe, including spatial distribution and trends.
  2. Evaluating the ability of operational emerging snow technologies and snow models to accurately represent snow accumulation and processes, and the impact on frozen gorund, infiltration, and spring flooding forecasts.
  3. Evaluating the effect of snow on near-surface air temperature in land surface/climate models.
  4. Characterizing the impact of soil moisture on subsequent precipitation from ground observations, satellite observations, and climate models, including the presence/absence, sign, and strength of the coupling.

My interests in water science are broad, and this list of possible projects is not exhaustive by any means.  Please feel free to contact me even if you have other ideas or interests.

If you are interested in joining the research group, please email me (setuttle@syr.edu) with a little background on yourself, your interest in coming to Syracuse and working with my group, and your CV/résumé (please make sure to list any previous research experiences and relevant coursework).  I am particularly interested in students who have experience in computer programming (R, Python, Matlab, etc.), GIS, remote sensing, and/or statistics.  However, none of those qualities are required – what is graduate school for, if not to learn new things?