Bio

I am a Research Associate in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, where I work with Kaighin McColl. I received my Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University, where I was advised by Pierre Gentine.

My research has focused on advancing turbulence theory and modeling, investigating climate responses to man-made land surface heterogeneities, and identifying the key land–atmosphere processes controlling extreme events. By integrating theory, numerical simulations (DNS, LES, cloud-resolving models), field experiments, and machine learning (DNNs and generative AI), my goal is to provide more accurate predictions of extreme weather, air quality, and the impact of human activity on climate, and to strengthen resilience to extremes and promote sustainable land–climate management. 

My studies have been featured as an Editors’ Suggestion in Physical Review Fluids (Cheng et al. 2023, PRF), selected twice as Research Spotlight in Geophysical Research Letters and AGU’s EOS (Cheng et al. 2017, GRL; Cheng and McColl 2024, GRL), and covered by The Guardian.