Nakul N. Karle, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist
NOAA Cooperative Science Center in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology II (NCASM II)
Howard University
Washington, D.C.
I am an atmospheric scientist specializing in planetary boundary layer dynamics, air quality, remote sensing, and atmospheric composition. My research integrates ground-based observations, field campaigns, and UAV-based measurements to better understand boundary-layer processes, atmospheric variability, and their influence on weather, climate, and air quality.
Research Interests:
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Boundary Layer Meteorology
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Atmospheric Turbulence
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Atmospheric Remote Sensing
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Air Quality
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UAV-Based Observations
My Journey
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Physics from the University of Mumbai before pursuing graduate studies in the United States. I received a Master of Science in Computational Sciences and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso.
I am currently an Assistant Research Scientist at Howard University and an affiliated member of the NOAA Cooperative Science Center in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M). My research focuses on planetary boundary layer dynamics, atmospheric remote sensing, air quality, and atmospheric composition. I employ a combination of ground-based observations, field measurements, and emerging UAV technologies to investigate the processes that govern weather, climate, and air quality.
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in atmospheric field campaigns, remote sensing observations, and student training initiatives. In addition to research, I am passionate about teaching, mentoring, and broadening participation in the atmospheric sciences through collaborative and inclusive learning environments.
My research is driven by a commitment to bridging scientific understanding with real-world applications to support decision-making on air quality, climate, and environmental health.
Research Overview
My research focuses on understanding the physical processes that govern the atmospheric boundary layer and their impacts on weather, climate, and air quality. I combine ground-based remote sensing, in situ observations, field campaigns, and emerging UAV technologies to investigate atmospheric structure, turbulence, and composition across a range of environments.
Key research areas include:
Boundary Layer Meteorology
Investigating the evolution of the planetary boundary layer using ceilometers, Doppler lidar, radiosondes, and numerical model analyses.
Atmospheric Remote Sensing
Developing and applying remote sensing techniques to characterize aerosols, clouds, water vapor, and boundary-layer processes.
Air Quality and Atmospheric Composition
Studying ozone, particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollution transport to better understand atmospheric composition and environmental impacts.
UAV-Based Atmospheric Measurements
Using instrumented drone platforms to observe methane, ethane, water vapor, and other atmospheric constituents at high spatial resolution.
Contact
Email: nakul.karle@howard.edu
Office Phone: +1(240)241-8000
Address: Howard University Beltsville Campus
7501 Muirkirk Rd Unit C, Beltsville, MD 20705