NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is excited to announce the selection of Dr. Ghassan “Gus” Alaka as the new Director of the Hurricane Research Division (HRD). As a vital member of the AOML team since 2014, Alaka brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
Alaka’s journey with AOML began when he joined the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) as a postdoctoral associate ~10 years ago. His dedication and contributions to tropical cyclone research quickly earned him a position as a CIMAS assistant scientist. During his time at CIMAS, Alaka focused on storm-storm and multi-scale interactions to advance hurricane modeling research and transitions to operations. In particular, Alaka was a key member of the AOML team that developed and advanced the Basin-scale Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF-B) model. Alaka is leveraging HWRF-B successes to improve hurricane forecasts in NOAA’s current flagship hurricane model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS). He also served as a science crew member on dozens of hurricane hunter reconnaissance missions, where he was instrumental in collecting vital observational data in a number of different roles on board NOAA WP-3D aircraft.
In 2018, Alaka was hired as a federal employee and has since played a pivotal role in advancing hurricane research at AOML. He has led the HRD Model Science Team, served as lead project scientist on the Hurricane Hunter flight missions, and is a valuable member of AOML’s Hurricane Modeling and Prediction Program and the HAFS developers team. Additionally, Alaka has continued to lead, publish, and present groundbreaking research on tropical cyclones, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. His detail as the acting HRD Deputy Director in 2023 provided him with invaluable experience in leadership, which he will now bring to his new role as HRD Director.
Alaka’s vision for the Hurricane Research Division is ambitious and forward-thinking. He believes that HRD will lead the way to the next generation of tropical cyclone research by studying and advancing observations, observing systems, data assimilation, numerical modeling, and the interactions between these four in a way that no other group in the world is equipped to do.
A strong advocate for collaboration, Alaka envisions a team-first approach that fosters innovation and motivates the division to reach new heights. He believes that by working together and with its partners, HRD can achieve breakthroughs that will enhance understanding and prediction of tropical cyclones, ultimately improving the safety and preparedness of communities affected by these powerful storms.
The AOML community is thrilled to welcome Alaka into his new role and looks forward to the continued success and advancements in hurricane research under his leadership. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gus Alaka as he begins his role as the Director of the Hurricane Research Division.