Scholar Voices Feature
Ganesh Chelluboyina Uncovers the Role of Dark Brown Carbon in Accelerating Snowmelt
Ganesh Chelluboyina, a 2020 cohort McDonnell Scholar, has made contributions to understanding the impact of wildfire smoke on snowmelt through his recent publication, “Dark Brown Carbon from Wildfires: A Potent Snow Radiative Forcing Agent?” His first-authored study reveals that dark brown carbon, a component of wildfire smoke, may play a crucial role in accelerating snowmelt. This discovery is particularly important for communities worldwide that rely on glacial melt for their water supply. The research, which emphasizes the need to update climate models to account for this newly identified factor, was recently highlighted in The Source article, “WashU Scientists Uncover Hidden Source of Snow Melt: Dark Brown Carbon”.
Ganesh is currently pursuing a PhD in Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, (PhD) from McKelvey School of Engineering. He is a graduate of McDonnell Academy partner university, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay).
Ganesh Chelluboyina wins Quad Fellowship
Ganesh Chelluboyina, a doctoral student in energy, environmental and chemical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, received a 2023 Quad Fellowship. The fellowship is an initiative of the governments of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, and is operated by Schmidt Futures in consultation with a nongovernmental task force composed of academic, foreign policy and private sector leaders.
McDonnell Scholars attend COP27
In November 2022, two of our McDonnell Scholars attended the 27th Annual Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Ganesh Chelluboyina (EECE PhD) and Bea Addis (Anthropology PhD) share their insights on the complex nature of the climate crisis from a global and interdisciplinary perspective.
Ganesh’s reflections: “As a PhD student studying climate warming aerosols in the atmosphere and cryosphere, I was interested to see how the science of climate translated to policy action at multilateral conferences. I was able to get a ringside view of the negotiations on mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. I also had informative conversations with prominent climate researchers and activists in the pavilions (set up by countries and major organizations). Although not much progress was made on the 1.5 degree warming target, at COP27 I witnessed history being made with the establishment of a loss and damage fund for developing countries. My participation at COP27 has motivated me to bridge the gap between climate science and climate policy, by advancing my own research in aerosols and effectively communicating it to the public.”
Ganesh Chelluboyina recipient of the 2022 Newman Exploration Travel Fund (NEXT) Award
Ganesh Srinivas Chelluboyina has been named one of the winners of the 2022 Newman Exploration Travel Fund (NEXT) Award. Bestowed by Washington University Libraries, the up to $10,000 prize supports travel for students, faculty, and staff engaged in scholarly development, personal growth, or research. University Libraries views travel as a valued means to expand one’s horizons and inspire growth, excellence, and innovation while pursuing both personal and professional goals.
Ganesh is planning to visit Iceland to explore the glaciers, wildlife, and fjords, and observe how they are changing amidst climate change.