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Aaron Hill, M.S. PhD Student and Research Assistant

Department of Geosciences Texas Tech University

Box 41053 Lubbock, TX 79409-1053, MCOM 1117

aaron.hill@ttu.edu (updated Dec. 2016)

Research Interests

• Numerical weather prediction with applications in ensembles, ensemble-based sensitivity analysis, observation targeting, and mesoscale data assimilation

• Improving predictability of severe dryline convection and convective initiation • Translating research to operational forecasting environments to aid in prediction of severe storms • Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) in severe thunderstorm forecasting and general observing

of the near-surface and near-storm environment • Observational instrumentation hardware and engineering (StickNet platforms)

Education Ph.D., Geosciences (Atmospheric Science Emphasis) (Expected 2018) Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX Advisors: Drs. Christopher Weiss and Brian Ancell M.S., Atmospheric Sciences (August 2012-December 2014)

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX Advisors: Drs. Christopher Weiss and Brian Ancell Master’s thesis: “Mesoscale data assimilation and ensemble sensitivity analysis towards improved predictability of dryline convection” B.S., Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology track (September 2008 – June 2012)

University of Washington, Seattle, WA Minor in Applied Mathematics: Engineering and Physical Sciences Advisor: Dr. Robert Houze, Jr.

Relevant Experience Graduate Research Assistant, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX (August 2012-present)

-Atmospheric Science Group, Advisors: Drs. Chris Weiss and Brian Ancell -Funding Support: NOAA CSTAR Program -Applying Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis (ESA) and observation targeting techniques with the DART-WRF EnKF to improve predictability of dryline convection

ATMO 1300 Instructor, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX (Summer 2016) -Undergraduate course: Introduction to Atmospheric Science -Summer 2 academic session Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (April 2011 – August 2012)

-Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Advisor: Dr. Robert Houze, Jr.

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-Data processing and analysis of flooding events in Pakistan using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) radar and National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Reanalysis Data sets

Volunteer, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Oxnard, CA (July - Sep 2011)

-Analysis and model verification of numerical forecasts for weather around Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties -Developed training modules for operational forecasters of the High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) Numerical Atmospheric Model

Broadcast Meteorology Intern, Fisher Communications, KOMO4 News, Seattle, WA (Sep 2010 – July 2011)

-Wrote forecast discussions for high-impact weather around Western Washington -Created weather graphics for the on-air broadcast meteorologist -Researched climate statistics for on-air graphics

Refereed Publications A. J. Hill, C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2016: Ensemble sensitivity analysis for mesoscale forecasts of dryline

convection initiation. Monthly Weather Review, 144, 4161-4182. doi:10.1175/MWR-D-15-0338.1. Rasmussen, K. L., A. J. Hill, V. E. Toma, P. J. Webster, R. A. Houze, Jr., and M.D. Zuluaga, 2013: Three consecutive

years of anomalous flooding in Pakistan. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, doi:10.1002/qj.2433.

Non-Refereed Publications Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B.C. Ancell, 2014: Mesoscale ensemble sensitivity of dryline convective initiation. Preprints, 27th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Madison, WI, paper 8B.4. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2013: Utilizing ensemble sensitivity for data denial experiments of the 4 April 2012 Dallas, Texas dryline-initiated convective outbreak using West Texas Mesonet observations and WRF-DART data assimilation. Preprints, 15th Conference on Mesoscale Processes, Portland, OR, paper 11. Presentations (forthcoming) Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2017: Ensemble sensitivity-based observation targeting

experiments for Southern Plains dryline convection. 21st Conference on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface, Seattle, WA, paper 15.5.

(forthcoming) Weiss, C. C., D. C. Dowell, A. J. Hill, and N. Yussouf, 2017: Ensemble sensitivity analysis of controls on updraft rotation for two southeastern US tornado events. 21st Conference on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface, Seattle, WA, paper 11.6.

(forthcoming) Weiss, C. C, E. Bruning, J. Dahl, D. C. Dowell, C. Alexander, A. J. Hill, and V. Chmielewski, 2017: An overview of Texas Tech operations during VORTEX-SE 2016. Special Symposium on Severe Local

Storms: Observation Needs to Advance Research, Prediction, and Communication, Seattle, WA, paper 939. Bruning, E., V. Chmielewski, C. Weiss, J. Dahl, A. J. Hill, C. Schultz, and Bailey, 2016: Flash size distributions characterized by mobile LMA deployments during VORTEX-SE. 28th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Portland, OR, paper 9.4. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2016: Ensemble sensitivity-based observation targeting experiments for Southern Plains dryline convection. 28th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Portland, OR,

paper 7B.6.

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Weiss, C. C, E. Bruning, J. Dahl, D. Dowell, C. Alexander, A. J. Hill, and V. Chmielewski, 2016: An Overview of Texas Tech Operations during VORTEX-SE 2016. 28th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Portland, OR, paper 3.5. Weiss, C. C., D. C. Dowell, A. J. Hill, and N. Yossouf, 2016: Ensemble sensitivity analysis of controls

on updraft rotation for the 27 April 2011 Tornado Outbreak. 28th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Portland, OR, paper 301637.

Ancell, B. C., B. Burghardt, and A. J. Hill, 2016: Workshop on Storm-Scale Ensembles, College Park, MD. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2016: Ensemble sensitivity-based observation targeting OSSEs for Southern Plains dryline convection. 20th Conference on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface, New Orleans, LA, paper J7.7. Hill, A. J., B. Burghardt, and B. C. Ancell, 2015: Advanced ensemble techniques for improved predictability of storm

-scale features. Workshop on Storm-Scale Ensembles, Boulder, CO. Ancell, B. C., A. J. Hill, and B. Burghardt, 2015: The use of ensemble-based sensitivity with observations to improve predictability of severe convective events. 27th Conference on Weather Analysis and Forecasting/23rd Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Chicago, IL, paper 8B.5. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B.C. Ancell, 2015: Mesoscale ensemble sensitivity and observation targeting of dryline convection. Preprints, 19th Conference on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface, Phoenix, AZ, paper 9.3. Ancell, B. C., A. J. Hill, and B. Burghardt, 2015: The use of ensemble-based sensitivity with observations to improve predictability of severe convective events. Preprints, 19th Conference on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land Surface, Phoenix, AZ, paper 9.1. Ancell, B. C., A. J. Hill, and B. Burghardt, 2014: The use of ensemble-based sensitivity and observations to improve predictability of severe convective events. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA,

NG31B-3798. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B.C. Ancell, 2014: Mesoscale ensemble sensitivity of dryline convective initiation. Preprints, 27th Conference on Severe Local Storms, Madison, WI, paper 8B.4. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2014: Application of mesoscale ensemble-based sensitivity analysis to observation targeting. Preprints, 26th Conference on Weather Analysis and Forecasting / 22nd Conference on Numerical Weather Prediction, Atlanta, GA, paper 610. Hill, A. J., C. C. Weiss, and B. C. Ancell, 2013: Utilizing ensemble sensitivity for data denial experiments of the 4 April 2012 Dallas, Texas dryline-initiated convective outbreak using West Texas Mesonet observations and WRF-DART data assimilation. Preprints, 15th Conference on Mesoscale Processes, Portland, OR, paper 11. Houze, R. A., Jr., K. L. Rasmussen, and A. J. Hill, 2013: TRMM Insights into recent floods in Pakistan. PMM Science Team Meeting, Annapolis, MD. Houze, R. A., Jr., K. L. Rasmussen, A. J. Hill, and M. D. Zuluaga, 2013: Using TRMM Precipitation Radar to understand the Pakistan and India floods of 2010-2012. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA. Field Campaign Participation

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VORTEX-SE (2016, 2017)

-Student Technician responsible for: Integrating solar panel hardware into the Texas Tech StickNet (SN) observing platforms, altering existing hardware and software settings to meet the needs of the project, maintaining stationary observing sites during the project, and producing data graphics for online display

AFOSR (2014-2015)

-Assisted fieldwork operations with mobile Ka-band radars in Colorado including development of computer processing techniques, implementation of software, and communications

SCOUT (2013-2015) -Deployed TTU StickNet platforms in advance of mesoscale convective systems for the evaluation of low-level wind profiles in severe storms Severe Storms Research Team (2013-present) -Deploying mobile radars for interceptions of outflow boundaries, supercell thunderstorms, and mesoscale convective systems TTU Hurricane Research Team (2013) -Assisted in the rebuilding of data acquisition systems for TTU StickNet platforms Honors and Awards 20th Conference on Integrated Observing and Assimilation Systems for Atmosphere, Oceans, and (2017) Land Surface Student Travel Award -In recognition of outstanding abstracts TTU Geoscience Scholarship (2013) -Awarded to graduate students who are nominated by their prospective department Jurica Fellowship (2012) -Awarded to new, incoming graduate students who are nominated by their prospective department Atmospheric Sciences Achievement Award (2012)

-Graduating seniors in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences (Washington) who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher in degree courses

Phil Church Award (2012)

-Graduating senior in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences (Washington) with the most outstanding record of scholarship, leadership, and service

Naval Weather Service Association Scholar (2010-2011, 2011-2012)

-Proven academic achievement and student and community leadership Annual Dean’s List (2008-2009, 2011-2012) -3.5 or higher GPA for 3 consecutive quarters during the academic year Quarterly Dean’s List (Spring and Autumn 2010, 2011) -3.5 or higher GPA during the academic quarter

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Professional Leadership/Service Team Manager, WxChallenge Competition, Lubbock, TX (Sep 2013-present) 15th AMS Student Conference Planning Committee (Feb. 2015 – Feb. 2016) Session Chair, Breakout Panel Session: What’s Your Passion? Skill-Based Careers

in Meteorology: Research Poster Session Subcommittee – Evaluated and categorized 50 submitted abstracts 14th AMS Student Conference Planning Committee (March 2014 – Feb. 2015) Secretary, American Meteorological Society Student Chapter, Texas Tech University (Sep 2013 – Aug 2015) -Organizer for 8th and 9th Annual Severe Weather Awareness Day -Designer of poster for 94th AMS Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA Guest Speaker, 6th Grade Science Class, Tahoka Middle School, Tahoka, TX (April 9th, 2015) Guest Lecturer, Atmospheric Science 1300: Introduction to Atmospheric Science (April 7th, 2015) Guest Lecturer, Atmospheric Science 2301: Weather, Climate, and Human Activities (Nov. 21st, 2014) Reviewer, Texas Tech University Undergraduate Research Conference (2013 - 2014) -Reviewed oral and poster presentations in various science fields including biology, atmospheric science, and

social sciences President, American Meteorological Society Student Chapter, Texas Tech University (Sep 2012 – Sep 2013) -Primary planner and organizer for 7th Annual Severe Weather Awareness Day -Meeting, outreach, and event coordinator President, American Meteorological Society Student Chapter, U. of Washington (Sep 2011 – June 2012)

-Organized club meetings and social events with other club officers -Responsible for social and academic outreach to the university community -Collaborated to create a Washington Weather Calendar

Graduate Coursework Radar Meteorology Cloud Physics and Dynamics Numerical Weather Prediction Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Severe Storm Dynamics Boundary Layer Meteorology Atmospheric Electricity Synoptic Meteorology Geophysical Data Fields Meteorological Data Acquisition and Instrumentation Systems Scientific Computing: Optimization Intermediate Mathematical Statistics I and II Computational Statistics Writing for Publication (English) Computing Skills Programming and Software Experience (* indicates fluency): Python*, shell*, Fortran, NCL, LabVIEW, HTML/CSS, WRF*, DART*

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Other Synergistic Activities Reviewed Manuscripts for: Journal of Operational Meteorology, Weather and Forecasting, Monthly Weather

Review Tutor, Graduate Student Writing Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX (August – December 2015) Spring Forecast Experiment Participant, Hazardous Weather Testbed (NOAA), Norman, OK (May 2014)

-Participated in producing short-term forecasts of severe convection around the United States to test implementation of various weather prediction models and forecast techniques into the Storm Prediction Center operational environment

Interviews 12/15 Interview for Texas Living Magazine (online) regarding Texas weather 2/11/16 Texas Tech University Climate Science Center Videos for Science series

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-KN-QTGPsM) 3/16/16 Alabama Public Radio for Texas Tech involvement with the Vortex SE field program