The Christmas period is a busy time for many and PhD students are no exception. Below are quick highlights from the department written by three of our PhD students. Read below to learn more about our recent Royal Meteorological Society South-East local centre meeting, the adventures of the Met Choir, and the much-anticipated departmental pantomime.
“Will we have a white Christmas in Reading this year? What does the term “white Christmas” even mean? Both of these questions were addressed at the beginning of the Royal Meteorological Society’s local south-east centre meeting on the 7th of December by the department of meteorology’s recently retired Ross Reynolds.
The evening began with inevitable mince pies and a poster showcase by eight PhD students from a variety of research areas, which initiated lively discussions. The Met choir singers added to the festive spirit with a repertoire of carols before the oral presentations began.
First up was Jake Gristey, whose research project investigates satellite constellations to measure energy flux in and out of the Earth’s atmosphere. Updating the satellite constellation will allow satellites to measure outgoing energy flux to a higher accuracy than any instrument has done previously, allowing for an accurate calculation of Earth’s radiation budget. Eunice Lo spoke about a geoengineering method, Sulphate Aerosol Injection (SAI) which involves releasing sulphate particles into the atmosphere with the aim of increasing the Earth’s albedo. The idea is based on historical volcanic aerosol release which led to a decrease in global temperatures. Eunice is basing her studies of the effects of SAI on a future world following a particular economic scenario. Our last speaker of the evening was James Shaw, who researches the modelling of atmospheric transport over terrain. He is currently developing a new mesh for numerical transport schemes over mountains, with a focus on the accurate representation of near-surface cells.
The meeting exhibited the huge variety of research happening in the department and was an overall success. This was the last local-cente meeting of the year, with the next one taking place on 11th January 2017.”
Kaja Milczewska, K.M.Milczewska@pgr.reading.ac.uk
“An important part of the festive season for PhD students is the infamous Met Pantomime. Twice a week we all get together over our lunchtimes to practice and perfect all the jokes accrued by the members of the department this year. Although planning begins in September, it’s only come December when it all comes together. That crazy wig arrives from Amazon and we’ve created oversized comic props from all the cardboard Hobbycraft can spare. The jokes and jibes get funnier every time we practice them and staff just keep providing more and more material (oh no they don’t!). There’s definitely an undercurrent of excitement – and a little apprehension – as the big evening draws near. This years’ comic spectacle: Snow White and the Research Dwarves, complete with lights, sound, and a fantastic buffet.”
Sarah Bentley, S.Bentley@pgr.reading.ac.uk
“This year the meteorology choir have been busy rehearsing for performances both within the department and externally. A recently formed tradition and definite highlight has been singing for the residents of the Lakeside care home as well as for the annual department Christmas celebration. We also have been lucky enough this year to perform at a local and national meeting of the Royal Meteorological Society. The choir is open to all, regardless of musical ability and we have members ranging from students all the way up to head of department.”
Samantha Buzzard, s.c.buzzard@pgr.reading.ac.uk
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Social Metwork.
The Social Metwork 