Atmospheric sciences professor recognized for contributions in Asia-Oceania

Tim Li

Tim Li, professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences in the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), was selected as a Fellow by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS). Fellows of the AOGS are selected in recognition of their sustained contribution to geosciences, especially within the Asia Oceania region. Li will receive the award at the Annual General Meeting of AOGS later this summer in Singapore. 

Li is one of most influential scientists in tropical climate dynamics worldwide. His research focuses on various aspects of tropical meteorology and climate dynamics, including the dynamics of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, tropical cyclones, Asian-Australian monsoon, climate change, and more. His recent studies focus on understanding changes in the formation of El Nino and La Nina, and extreme weather events. In his research he utilizes observational data analyses alongside theory, numerical model experiments and climate model simulations. Li has published 290 professionally referred research papers and a book during his 25 years of teaching and research at UH Mānoa.

Li received his PhD in 1993 from the SOEST Atmospheric Sciences Department (advised by Dr. Bin Wang). He returned to SOEST after several years at other institutions. Li was a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University, then worked as a researcher and a research assistant professor at the Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Li joined the SOEST faculty in 1999 as an associate professor and was promoted to a full professor in 2002. In recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community, he received the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents Excellence in Research Award in 2019.