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Living (and Learning) in the Desert

In the Sonoran Desert, checking the weather isn’t just something you can do once on your phone in the morning and move on from – our moody landscape requires flexibility. In summer, clear skies can quickly change to magnificent monsoons – or, weather events that can be more serious (and severe) than just getting caught up without an umbrella.��

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And at the University of Arizona, Wildcats aren’t waiting around to respond to these shifts – they're doing research that could help protect entire communities.��
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Studying Storms

Nilay Patel and Edie Lamar are Hydrology and Atmospheric Science majors in the . They both contribute to projects that use data software to track and analyze weather patterns and conditions in specific environments – but their journeys and research are uniquely their own.

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For Nilay, the journey started long before college. Growing up in the Southwest, he became fascinated with weather; especially the monsoon storms that define Southern Arizona summers. That curiosity followed him to U of A, where he sought out opportunities that turned his interest into action.

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Nilay's research focuses on identifying the atmospheric conditions that lead to severe thunderstorms and large hail events in Southeastern Arizona. By analyzing patterns in past storms, he is working to pinpoint which conditions often produce harmful weather – insights that could help forecasters issue earlier and more accurate area warnings, in cases of extreme storms.

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It’s work that feels personal. Seeing how a powerful storm can damage homes and disrupt communities has reinforced Nilay’s goal to use weather science to help protect people and places.

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Edie started at U of A as an undecided major, initially considering a pre-med track, until professor Dr. Jennifer McIntosh introduced her to hydrology research.

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Today, Edie is involved in multiple projects, including monitoring base flow water samples for trace metals in Cienega Creek and studying flash flood patterns across Southern Arizona. With the team's analysis of groundwater samples and precipitation data, they are helping researchers better understand when and where flash floods can occur.

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That information is used to support agencies like the National Weather Service in issuing more accurate and precise warnings. You can imagine the immense difference this makes in a region where flooding can develop rapidly.��
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Collaboration at the Core

Along both of their journeys, Edie and Nilay have discovered that research is rarely a solo effort. Collaborating with professors, peers, and professionals has helped them build skills in teamwork, communication, networking, and problem solving – training that extends far beyond the lab.

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Getting involved starts with asking – whether it’s reaching out to a professor, attending a campus event, or applying for a position that feels out of reach. “Some experiences [may] be outside of what you originally feel comfortable with, but could open doors to potential new interests in your field,” Nilay said.

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At the U of A, students like Nilay and Edie demonstrate that research isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you tackle head on. And in a place where the environment poses specific challenges, it helps communities better understand – and prepare for – the world around them.��

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Beyond the work happening in labs and out in the field, the University of Arizona is nationally recognized for its leadership in sustainability and water research. U of A is ranked No. 3 in the U.S. for Hydrology and Water Resources Management, a fitting distinction for a college campus based in one of the country’s most water-challenged regions.

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From desert water conservation to climate research that directly impacts communities, students here are part of work that turns environmental challenges into real solutions. Whether you're interested in environmental science, hydrology, or climate studies, there are plenty of ways to jump into undergraduate research and start contributing early.

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Explore at the University of Arizona.
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