Ganesh Chelluboyina

Where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Please provide your lab and description of research.
I am a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Dr. Chakrabarty's lab, where our research focuses on understanding the climate-forcing impacts of particulates. My work involves quantifying how wildfire smoke deposited on glaciers accelerates snowmelt, which is a significant environmental issue. Using a specialized modeling approach that combines aerosol and snow optics, I have produced new and improved estimates of the warming effect caused by dark brown carbon, a recently characterized light-absorbing particle. Ultimately, I hope to use my research findings to better inform climate policy.

What played into your decision to get a graduate engineering degree?
I was driven to pursue a Ph.D. by the opportunity to make a mentored, early-career impact in climate science. I saw it as the best path to launch a fulfilling and impactful career.

Why did you pick WashU?
I chose WashU for its unique academic environment, which encourages holistic and interdisciplinary inquiry. This was important to me because today's global challenges don't fit into neat disciplinary boxes. I was also drawn to WashU's philosophy that purpose-driven leadership can be cultivated, and I believe the university is truly preparing the next generation of leaders to solve the pressing problems of our time. 

What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
St. Louis is the perfect size: not so big that it's overwhelming and not so small that it's boring. There's something for everyone in every season. Some of my personal favorites include swimming in state forest rivers during the summer, biking in the fall, ice skating in the winter, and enjoying the cherry blossoms at the botanical garden in the spring.

What advice would you give to a new student?
Take advantage of the wealth of opportunities available to grow not just professionally, but personally as well.

What campus activities or groups would you recommend to a new student?
I recommend getting involved with groups like ProSPER (Promoting Science Policy, Education, and Research) and the Libraries Student Advisory Group (LSAG).

What are your plans for the future?
Drawing on my research, I plan to pursue a career in either policy research or sustainable business.