Maxim Couillard joins the College of Science Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science Department as course lecturer
12-18-2024
The College of Science EAPS Department welcomes Maxim Couillard to the faculty in the fall of 2024. Couillard completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Albany in Albany, New York. From there, he obtained his (MSc) at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Couillard will use his extensive knowledge in meteorological forecasting to teach several classes in the Fall and Spring of 2025 and 2026. He will also further his research about forecasting around mountainous areas.
“I am researching why weather models perform poorly around mountains. It is common wisdom that mountains are areas of more thunderstorms; many people who go hiking in the mountains are caught by surprise by sudden and dangerous storms. Mountains force air to rise, leading to clouds and storms. Surprisingly, our research found the Appalachian and Adirondack Mountains to have significantly less thunderstorm activity than surrounding areas,” says Couillard. “I am looking into why some mountains help thunderstorms and some mountains hinder them. This is important for improving forecasts and models.”
The diverse EAPS research brings Couillard to Purdue University, where he plans to lead forecast discussions and teach practical meteorology in the EAPS laboratories. He was raised in the Hudson and Mohawk River valleys in Albany, New York. He then went to Montreal, which features a mountain on an island in the St. Lawrence River valley. After extensively studying weather in mountains and valleys, Couillard has come to the flat cornfields of Indiana!
“I was enticed by a supportive department and the incredible focus and commitment to undergrad education. I always wanted to play a role in working with meteorology students, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity,” mentions Couillard. “I am glad to play a small part in this fantastic department.”
“I am passionate about science communication and outreach. I am interested in video science education and want to use education and videos to play a role in mitigating climate change.”
In his free time, Couillard loves to play and compose clarinet music. He also enjoys playing badminton and board games. The College of Science wants to wish Couillard a warm welcome to West Lafayette and looks forward to seeing what he can accomplish within the EAPS department.
About the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University
The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) combines four of Purdue’s most interdisciplinary programs: Geology & Geophysics, Environmental Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. EAPS conducts world-class research, educates undergraduate and graduate students, and provides our college, university, state and country with the information necessary to understand the world and universe around us. Our research is globally recognized, our students are highly valued by graduate schools, employers, and our alumni continue to make significant contributions in academia, industry, and federal and state government.
Written by: David Siple, Communications Specialist for the Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Department at Purdue University