Michelle De Luna
Biography
Michelle is a doctoral candidate with research interests in polar climatology and atmospheric dynamics. Her work examines large-scale modes of variability (MOVs) across the Southern Hemisphere and their influence on the surface climate of West Antarctica. In recent years, Michelle has focused her efforts on improving the community’s understanding of the Amundsen Sea Low (ASL), a dynamic low-pressure region located in the Pacific Sector of the Southern Ocean.
Education
M.A. Geography, California State University Los Ángeles (2021)
B.A. Geography and Environmental Studies, University of California Los Ángeles (2018)
Selected Publications
M. I. De Luna, C. Ng, F. Perez, and M. N. Raphael. 2026. Extreme Amundsen Sea Low events and the climate of West Antarctica (manuscript under review)
Grants & Awards
Departmental Teaching Assistant (TA) Award | 2025
Eugene V. Cota-Robles Fellowship | 2021-2025
Courses & Presentations
Michelle is a departmental teaching fellow committed to undergraduate education and excellence. As a graduate student, she has assisted with the following courses:
GEOG 1: Introduction to Physical Geography (Fall 2023, Fall 2022)
GEOG 5: People and Earth’s Ecosystems (Spring 2024)
GEOG 7: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (Winter 2026, Spring 2023)
GEOG 115: Natural Climate Solutions (Spring 2026)
GEOG 117: Tropical Climatology (Spring 2026)
GEOG 119: Global Climatology and Climate Change (Fall 2025)
GEOG 146: Environmental Justice and Climate Change (Winter 2023)