Behind the Research With Dr. Chanil Park

July 2025

Tell us about your background and how you got into this field.

I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, working with Dr. Yi Ming. I hold a Ph.D. in atmospheric science from Seoul National University, South Korea, where I studied the mechanisms of extreme precipitation.

My initial interest in understanding the atmosphere was sparked in the early 2000s when the Super Typhoon Maemi struck my hometown, and The Day After Tomorrow, a film depicting the disastrous effects of climate change, was released. What began as a vague awe of nature has evolved into a clear aspiration to become an independent scholar studying our atmosphere, owing to many supportive mentors, including Dr. Ming.

Please describe your research for a general audience.

Atmospheric science has evolved into a range of branches, each shaped by the distinct spatial and temporal scales of atmospheric phenomena. My expertise lies primarily in synoptic-scale meteorology, which focuses on phenomena best depicted on daily weather charts, such as high and low. While extreme weather is traditionally a focus of synoptic meteorology, these events are inherently multiscale (Mother Nature doesn鈥檛 separate the scale of atmospheric motion!). They often involve interactions with smaller-scale features like convective storms as well as planetary-scale phenomena like the jet stream, which are typically studied in mesoscale meteorology and climate dynamics, respectively. My current research seeks to bridge these traditionally separate subdisciplines to better understand how weather and climate processes interact during extreme events. I believe this integrative approach is essential for improving our ability to understand and predict extreme weather in a changing climate.

What drew you to working with Schiller Core faculty member Dr. Ming?

I first met Dr. Yi Ming in 2022, during the final year of my Ph.D. program, when he visited Seoul National University. His seminar on climate modeling left a strong impression on me. I had the opportunity to join him for dinner and drinks afterward, during which I shared my evolving鈥攖hough still unpolished鈥攔esearch philosophy on the multiscale nature of extreme weather. Yi expressed strong agreement with my perspective, which was a deeply encouraging and memorable experience.

Shortly after I completed my Ph.D. defense, Yi invited me to join his group as a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project focused on mesoscale convective systems (one of the weather systems causing extreme precipitation). The topic aligned closely with my research philosophy, so I gladly accepted. I鈥檓 also grateful that Yi extended an offer to my wife, Dr. Seoyeon Kim (postdoc at the Schiller Institute), which has allowed us to work together without a two-body problem. This arrangement has enabled a productive and synergistic collaboration within the group!

What has been the most meaningful part of working in Dr. Ming's group?

Dr. Yi Ming鈥檚 research spans a remarkably wide range of topics. My efforts to integrate multiple scales of atmospheric phenomena in extreme weather research have greatly benefited from Yi鈥檚 broad intellectual depth. In particular, his expertise in climate modeling and tropical meteorology has been a major source of inspiration and has laid a strong foundation for several of my future research directions. I have been leading (albeit informally) a group study session on tropical meteorology for our graduate students. This is my way of passing down the insights and inspiration I鈥檝e gained from Yi to the next generation of scientists in the group.

Yi is more than just a research advisor. I have learned much from him as a person. In our regular one-on-one meetings, our conversations often extended beyond research to include a wide range of cultural and societal topics. As someone who completed my Ph.D. abroad, I found these discussions especially meaningful because they helped me gain a deeper understanding of American society and shape envisioning how I will build a long-term academic career in this country.

Please tell us about the Environmental Fellows Program and what excites you about it.

Before joining Yi鈥檚 group, my research interests were driven purely by a desire to understand nature. However, working with Yi and being exposed to the founding philosophy of the Schiller Institute as well as its many thought-provoking seminars has reshaped my perspective. I came to recognize that scientific research should ultimately serve local communities, broader society, and humanity at large.

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and harder to predict, and their impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. I am now committed to exploring ways in which my research can contribute to enhancing the climate resilience of vulnerable groups. This sense of purpose will continue to guide my work even after I transition to my new position at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

What has been your favorite part of living in md传媒国产剧?

md传媒国产剧 offers about everything. It includes the charming historic landmarks, the vibrancy of a big city, excellent public safety, and a wide range of shopping and cultural experiences. It easily holds its own among the top cities in the country. That said, I鈥檝e always considered myself more of a 鈥渘ature person鈥 than a city person. Fortunately, just a short drive from md传媒国产剧 brings me to some of New England鈥檚 most beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and beaches. Exploring these scenic places with my wife is my favorite way to step away from the intensity of our research lives.
Chanil Park in White Mountain national Forest.
Chanil Park on BC campus in the winter time