Earth, Atmosphere and Environment (EAE, MET)

The Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment offers a B.S. degree with emphases in climate science, earth and planetary science, earth and space science education, environment and society, geospatial systems, and water and soil science. A separate B.S. in Meteorology is also offered. The emphases are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in earth science, environmental science, geology, geography, geospatial analyses, and atmospheric science by choosing electives for multiple and wide ranging areas of study. The program also prepares students for graduate study in geology, geography, geospatial science, environmental science, and environmental studies. The program is flexible to accommodate the needs of students with a variety of interests. For this reason, the student must consult with a departmental advisor at the earliest possible opportunity to plan a program of courses that will fulfill their objectives.

The major in meteorology provides training for students interested in general meteorology, weather forecasting, and environmental meteorology, and the education necessary for graduate work in the atmospheric sciences. The program offers the student the opportunity to participate in the NIU Weather Service.

The department’s 100-level courses can be used by non-majors toward fulfilling the science area requirement of the university’s general education program. Minors are offered in geology and geography which should be of interest to majors in environmental studies, biology, physics, and chemistry. A certificate of undergraduate study in geographic information science (GIS) is also available. A departmental honors program is available for outstanding students, and participates in the interdisciplinary minors in black studies, environmental management systems, environmental studies, global studies, Latino/Latin American studies, and Southeast Asian studies.

Earth, Atmosphere and Environment Faculty

Mark R. Frank, Ph.D., University of Maryland, professor, chair
Walker S. Ashley, Ph.D., University of Georgia; Presidential Teaching Professor; Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor
Robert Brinkmann, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, professor
Megan R.M. Brown, Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder, assistant professor
Philip J. Carpenter, Ph.D., New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, professor emeritus
Xuwei Chen, Ph.D., Texas State University, associate professor
Justin P. Dodd, Ph.D., University of New Mexico, associate professor
Mark P. Fischer, Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University, professor
Courtney M. Gallaher, Ph.D., Michigan State University, associate professor
Vittorio (Victor) Gensini, Ph.D., University of Georgia, associate professor
Alex Haberlie, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University, assistant professor
Michael E. Konen, Ph.D., Iowa State University, associate professor
Nicole D. LaDue, Ph.D., Michigan State University, associate professor
Melissa E. Lenczewski, Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Presidential Engagement and Partnerships Professor
Wei Luo, Ph.D., Washington University, Distinguished Research Professor
Allison C. Michaelis, Ph.D., North Carolina State University, assistant professor
Ross D. Powell, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, Distinguished Research Professor, Board of Trustees Professor, professor emeritus
Reed P. Scherer, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, Distinguished Research Professor, Board of Trustees Professor
Jie Song, Ph.D., University of Delaware, professor
Nathan D. Stansell, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, associate professor
James L. Wilson, Ph.D., University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, associate professor