People

Primary Investigator

Ali Sarhadi is an assistant professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech. He received his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, he held postdoctoral positions at Stanford University and MIT.

Email: sarhadi@gatech.edu

Ph.D Students

Aren Russ

Atmospheric Science

I am a first-year PhD student studying Atmospheric Science, with a concentration in data science. I received my bachelor’s in physics from Georgia Tech in 2023. My research focuses on machine learning applications in hurricane track simulations and climate risk analytics. Outside of school, I am active in local theaters and spend my time creating art of all kinds!


Emily Lohmann

Weather and Climate Science

My name is Emily Lohmann, I am in my first year of a Ph.D. in Weather and Climate Science. I received a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2025. Outside of academics, I am a ceramic artist and spend most of my time reading and gaming.


Jay Xiao

Atmospheric Science

I am Jay, a PhD student in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at Georgia Tech, and also a Master’s student in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Georgia Tech. Under the supervision of Prof. Sarhadi, I’m conducting hurricane prediction research using AI-based models. I’m a passionate soccer fan—a devoted FC Bayern Munich supporter and a right wing on my local team—and I enjoy photography in my free time.


Masters Students

Hyunjeong Kim

Computational Science and Engineering

I am a second-year master’s studying Computational Science and Engineering, with a concentration in Machine/Deep Learning. I joined the team since this summer 25, doing research about tropical cyclones prediction related to Power Dissipation Index (PDI) and their frequency. Outside of my classes, I enjoy sailing, swimming, playing tennis, and doing pottery.


Joseph Yoo

Computer Science

I am a Master’s student in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, currently working on complex network modeling to explore the interconnection characteristics of tropical cyclones in a warming climate. Outside of class, I’m a member of the Student Center Programs Council (SCPC) and work on a team in RoboJackets.

Rameen Gauher

Computer Science

I’m a second-year Master’s student in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, specializing in Machine Learning and Big Data systems. I love the challenge of building AI solutions that can scale, and I’ve gotten to work on some fascinating projects in deep learning, NLP, and causal inference. Beyond the tech world, I’m an avid badminton player, nature enthusiast, and traveler — always on the hunt for the best dessert spots wherever I go.


Alexander Yoon

Computer Science

I am a Master’s student in Computer Science and an aspiring data scientist, working under the supervision of Dr. Sarhadi. My research focuses on using physics-informed machine learning to quantify the risk of hurricane-driven compound events and the associated economic damage in a changing climate. On campus, I stay engaged by mentoring students in Linear Algebra through EdX, being an active member of the boxing club, and enjoying outdoor activities like running and hiking.

Undergraduate Students

Achyutan Narayanan

Computer Science

I am a 3rd-year CS major and EAS minor. I joined the team due to my interest in data analysis in relation to climate change and so far have had an amazing time! Outside of academics, I also like to compose music, go to the gym, play piano, chess, and of course, video games (mainly Minecraft).

Sekai Chandra

Atmospheric Sciences

Howdy everyone! I am a third-year undergraduate Atmospheric Sciences Major with a concentration in meteorology. Outside of class, I am a member of STORM Club (at GT) and work as a lifeguard at a YMCA. After graduating in 2027, I plan to continue my education in graduate school. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, following all things weather (particularly extreme events), analyzing historical weather events, competitive swimming, eating new foods, working out, building virtual worlds (ROBLOX), and playing video games.


Madeline Laessar

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

I am a fourth-year undergraduate studying atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and I have a focus in meteorology. At Georgia Tech, I am a TA, the president of the AMS chapter, and the vice president of Sigma Gamma Epsilon (the Earth Science Honor Society). After my graduation in May 2025, I plan to pursue a PhD to continue my education in atmospheric science. In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing tennis.