Jun Zhang

Headshot photo of Jun Zhang. Photo Credit: NOAA/AOML

Research Highlights

Research Interests

Boundary layer meteorology.

Turbulent mixing.

Air-sea interaction.

Gravity waves.

Hurricane intensity change.

Physical parameterizations.

Hurricane dynamics. 

Jun Zhang, Ph.D.

Scientist (University of Miami/CIMAS), Hurricane Research Division

305.361.4557

4301 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149

“Combining airborne remote, in situ, and expendable probe sensors with air-deployed ocean platforms provides a strategy for expanding knowledge of illusive high-wind air–sea fluxes in difficult-to-predict storms.”

“Science is not only a disciple of reason but also one of romance and passion.” – Stephen Hawking

Dr. Jun Zhang’s main research areas include studying turbulent mixing, air-sea interaction, boundary layer recovery, dissipative heating, gravity waves, and hurricane intensity change using observations and numerical models. He has actively participated in Hurricane Research Division’s annual hurricane field campaign. He has developed new parameterizations of turbulent flux and eddy diffusivity based on aircraft observations, which improved operational forecast models and their skill of hurricane intensity forecasts. He has also served as Chief Editor for Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans, and Associate Editor for Monthly Weather Review and Frontiers of Earth Science.

Current Work

Scientist (University of Miami/CIMAS), Hurricane Research Division

Download Full CV

2007, Ph.D., Applied Marine Physics, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Virginia Key, FL

2004, M.S., Applied Marine Physics, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Virginia Key, FL

2000, B.S., Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, China

  1. Chiodi, A.M., H. Hristova, G.R. Foltz, J.A. Zhang, C.W. Mordy, C.R. Edwards, C. Zhang, C. Meinig, D. Zhang, E. Mazza, E.D. Cokelet, E.F. Burger, F. Bringas, G. Goni, H.-S. Kim, S. Chen, J. Trinanes, K. Bailey, K.M. O’Brien, M. Morales-Caez, N. Lawrence-Slavas, S.S. Chen, and X. Chen. Surface ocean warming near the core of Hurricane Sam and its representation in forecast models. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10:1297974, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1297974 2024
    Ref. 4377
  2. Shimada, U., P.D. Reasor, R.F. Rogers, M.S. Fischer, F.D. Marks, J.A. Zawislak, And J.A Zhang. Shear-relative asymmetric kinematic characteristics of intensifying hurricanes as observed by airborne Doppler radar Monthly Weather Review, 152(2):491-512, https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR-D-22-0340.1 2024
    Ref. 4375
  3. Yu, H., G. Chen, W.K. Wong, J.L. Vigh, C.-K. Pan, X. Lu, J.A. Zhang, J. Tang, K. Zhao, P. Chen, Z. Yu, M. Yang, J. Dunion, Z. Fang, X. Lei, A. Tyagi, and L. Chen. WMO Typhoon Landfall Forecast Demonstration Project (2010-2022): A decade of transition from track forecasts to impact forecasts. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0085.1 2024
    Ref. 4407

2020 American Meteorological Society Banner I. Miller Award

For the best contribution to the science of hurricane and tropical weather forecasting published in a journal with international circulation during the 48 months prior to the presentation of this award. 

2018 Aviation Laureate Award for Dual Defense Use

For use of the Coyote unmanned aerial system to gather data in the eye of Hurricane Maria, enabling NOAA to better forecast how intense the storm would be at landfall and more accurately estimate the magnitude of Maria’s storm surge. 

2016 NOAA AOML Award

For Doppler Wind Lidar Operations.

2015 NASA Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel Group Achievement Award for HS3

2015 University of Miami Gold Medal (equivalent to U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal)

2011 NOAA/AOML Outstanding Research Paper Award

2008-2010 Postdoctoral Research Associate Fellowship, National Research Council

2002-2005 University of Miami Fellowship

1999-2000 Bao Gang Fellowship, Shanghai Baogang Fellowship Sponsor

1996-1999 First Prize Scholarship, Dalian University of Technology