Dr. Lu’s research focuses on the study of the atmospheric wave dynamics and coupling (including gravity waves, planetary waves and tides), and the neutral-plasma coupling in the Atmosphere-Magnesosphere-Ionosphere (AIM) system. She has extensive research experiences of analyzing the observational data from the satellite measurements as well as from the ground-based instruments such as lidar, airglow imager, meteor radar, and radiosonde. She also has the rich experiences of applying the assimilation data from MERRA and ECMWF for the wave studies. Her modeling experiences include developing a mechanistic model to study the planetary waves in Antarctica, and working with several general circulation models for the studies of wave dynamics and AIM coupling, which include TIEGCM, CTIPe, WACCM, and WAM. Dr. Lu is a PI and Co-I of multiple projects funded by NSF, NASA and Air Force. She has been frequently serving as a reviewer for peer-reviewed journal papers and science proposals. She has extensive experiences of advising graduate and undergraduate students in the atmospheric and space science studies.

• Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2011, Atmospheric Sciences
• Masters, Wuhan University, China, 2006, Space Physics
• B.S., Wuhan University, China, 2003, Electrical Engineering

Professional Experience:

• Clemson University, 2022-, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
• Clemson University, 2016-22, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy
• University of Colorado Boulder, 2012–16, Research Scientist & Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow (1 yr)
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2011–12, Postdoctoral Researcher
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2006–11, Graduate Research Assistant
• High Altitude Observatory (HAO), NCAR, 2010–11, Graduate Student Visitor

Research Interests:

• Atmospheric wave dynamics including gravity waves, planetary waves and tides.
• Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere coupling and space weather.
• Data analysis and numerical modeling of atmospheric dynamics and space weather.
• Data science and machine learning.

Honors and Awards:

• Dean's Professorship Award, College of Science, Clemson University.
• Rising Star in Discovery, College of Science, Clemson University.
• Pilot Program Award for Faculty Incentive for Global Engagement in SCIENCE, Clemson University.
• Junior Researcher of the Year, Nominee, Clemson University.
• NSF/CAREER Award.
• NCAR/Advanced Study Program (ASP) Faculty Award.
• CIRES Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Colorado at Boulder.