Mayra Oyola-Merced
Assistant Professor
Ned P Smith Distinguished Chair of Meteorology, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
PhD Howard University
My research focuses on satellite remote sensing, radiative transfer, and modeling to improve understanding of severe weather and aviation hazards. I lead the SOARS (Satellite Remote Sensing for Aviation, Radiation, and Severe Weather) research group at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I am a faculty member in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.
Aviation Weather
One branch of my work centers on aviation hazards, especially atmospheric turbulence. I use satellite and reanalysis data to identify indicators of clear-air and convective turbulence, aiming to improve forecasting and risk assessment at flight levels and support safer airspace operations.
Aerosols and Severe Weather:
The second branch focuses on aerosol impacts on storm environments. I study how aerosol–cloud interactions affect storm thermodynamics and severity, with an emphasis on improving satellite-based retrievals of vertical aerosol distribution—crucial for reducing uncertainties in both weather prediction and climate assessments.
Prior to joining UW–Madison, I worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where I specialized in satellite remote sensing retrievals and their applications in severe weather monitoring, climate diagnostics, and disaster risk reduction. I also served as Deputy Director of the NASA-sponsored International GNSS Service, coordinating a global network of over 250 institutions focused on space-based positioning systems and Earth science applications.
My technical background spans multiple domains of satellite data use and field research. I’ve contributed to correcting aerosol impacts on operational sea surface temperature retrievals and advancing hyperspectral infrared data assimilation for NOAA and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Additionally, I’ve conducted extensive ship-based fieldwork—spending over 200 days at sea—investigating aerosol composition, air quality, and ozone distribution over the Atlantic.
In addition to research, I am deeply committed to service and inclusive excellence. I currently serve on the National Academies’ Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space (CESAS), and I chair the UCAR Membership Committee. At UW–Madison, I am a Faculty Fellow in the College of Letters and Science and the Faculty Co-Chair of the Committee on Inclusive Excellence. I previously served on the AMS Board on Representation, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Diversity (BRAID) and as Chair of the AMS Women Committee and I co-host “The perpetual notion machine” radio show at WORT FM in Madison.
Above all, my academic philosophy centers around purpose and people. While technological advancement is essential, lasting impact comes from collaboration, mentorship, and cultivating diverse, inclusive environments. I’m most inspired when working with students and colleagues who are passionate about science and driven to create positive change through their work.