My research interests focus on climate science using a combination of satellite observations, earth system models, and km-scale global storm resolving models. I am particularly interested in understanding how clouds respond to climate change, which is one of the most critical yet uncertain components of our warming world. My research tackles this complex question by investigating how clouds interact with warming patterns using satellite observations, evaluating global climate models and storm-resolving models in representing cloud processes, and exploring how satellite observations and model evaluations can improve future climate projections.

Ph.D., Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University 2023

B.S., Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University 2018

Chao, L.-W., M. D. Zelinka, C. R. Terai, H. Beydoun, B. R. Hillman, N. D. Keen, P. M. Caldwell, and S. A. Klein (2025). Evaluating Mean State Cloud Properties in the Simple Cloud-Resolving E3SM Atmosphere Model. Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, submitted.

Terai, C. R., et al., including L. -W. Chao (2025). Climate Response to Warming in Cess-Potter Simulations Using the Global 3-km SCREAM. Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, submitted.

Zelinka, M. D., L.-W. Chao, T. A. Myers, Y. Qin, & S. A. Klein (2025). Technical note: Recommendations for diagnosing cloud feedbacks and rapid cloud adjustments using cloud radiative kernels. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 25(3), 1477-1495.

Lee, J., et al., including L. -W. Chao (2024). Systematic and objective evaluation of Earth system models: PCMDI Metrics Package (PMP) version 3. Geoscientific Model Development, 17 (9), 3919-3948

Chao, L.-W., A. E. Dessler, & M. D. Zelinka (2024). Climate Feedbacks. Encyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences (Third Edition).

Chao, L.-W., M. D. Zelinka, & A. E. Dessler (2024). Evaluating cloud feedback components in observations and their representation in climate models. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 129(2), e2023JD039427.

Chao, L.-W., J. C. Muller, & A. E. Dessler (2022). Impacts of the Unforced Pattern Effect on the Cloud Feedback in CERES Observations and Climate Models. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(2), e2021GL096299. 

Chao, L.-W. & A. E. Dessler (2021). An Assessment of Climate Feedbacks in Observations and Climate Models Using Different Energy Balance Frameworks. Journal of Climate, 34(24), 9763-9773.

For a full list, see: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

 

• LLNL AEED Stand Out Award, 2024
• LLNL PLS Directorate Award, 2024
• Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST), 2020-2023
• Bachelor Thesis Award, National Taiwan University, 2018
• College Student Research Creativity Award, Taiwan, 2018
• College Student Research Scholarship, Taiwan, 2017