Dr. Leif Thomas

Professor

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Biography

Leif Thomas is a Professor in the Department of Earth System Science at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Oceans. His research focuses on ocean circulation dynamics, particularly the dynamics of highly energetic, time-variable flows such as ocean fronts, vortices, and eddies. These flows are crucial for efficiently exchanging heat, salt, nutrients, and gases between the surface ocean and the ocean interior, and play a significant role in Earth's climate and carbon sequestration in the ocean. Dr. Thomas employs theory, computer modeling, and field observations to characterize the fundamental physics of ocean circulation and seeks to improve the oceanic components of computer models used for climate change predictions. He teaches graduate-level courses in geophysical fluid dynamics and introductory courses on atmosphere, ocean, and climate dynamics, emphasizing large-scale circulation. Additionally, he co-teaches a course on Earth System Dynamics and plans to offer courses on upper-ocean processes and numerical modeling of ocean circulation.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Professor in the Department of Earth System Science.

Assistant Scientist

— Present

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution •

Postdoctoral Research Associate

— Present

School of Oceanography and Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington •

Research Assistant

— Present

School of Oceanography, University of Washington •

Undergraduate Research Assistant

— Present

Center Nonlinear Science, Department of Physics, University of California at Santa Barbara •

Awards

#

H. Burr Steinbach Visiting Scholar

#

Nicholas P. Fofonoff Award

#

Editors’ Citation Excellence Refereeing Journal Geophysical Research- Oceans

#

Editor’s Award

#

Arnold T. Nordsieck Memorial Prize

#

Highest Honors

Courses

CEE 161I CEE 261I EARTHSYS 146A EARTHSYS 246A ESS 246A CEE 363F ESS 65N EARTHSYS 297 ENVRES 398 EARTHSYS 250 ENVRES 399 ESS 400 EARTHSYS 199

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.