Welcome! We focus on Predictability and Applied Research for the Earth-system with Training and Optimization (PARETO). As such, we use machine learning (e.g., neural networks) and numerical modeling systems (e.g., CESM) to answer pressing questions and address challenges in modeling the Earth system. Examples of problems that we are tackling include:
Our research also strives to incorporate open-source software and data, accessible communication, and multi-discipline collaboration (particularly with computer science).
Our group name, PARETO, is inspired by the Pareto frontier, a fundamental concept in optimization theory. The concept was named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) and delineates trade-offs between competing objectives.
Fall 2024 group photo. Pictured from left to right: Luke Wichrowski, Kyle Hall, Sandy Kerr, Sunny Sharma, Emily Wisinski, Dean Calhoun, Jon Starfeldt, Jhayron S. Perez-Carrasquilla, Assistant Professor Maria J. Molina, and Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow Manuel Titos. Learn more about our group [here].
If you are interested in joining our group as a graduate researcher, please note that all interested applicants must apply online to be considered.
Recent News
☁ [April] Jhayron S. Perez-Carrasquilla passed his prospectus evaluation and is now a PhD Candidate. Congratulations, Jhayron!
☁ [April] Dean Calhoun and Jonathan Starfeldt received Honorable Mentions in the 2025 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) competition. Congratulations, Dean and Jon!
☁ [March] Jhayron S. Perez-Carrasquilla was awarded the Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship by The Graduate School. Congrats, Jhayron!
☁ [March] Maria J. Molina has joined the CMIP7 Controlled Variables WIP (Working Group on Coupled Models [WGCM] Infrastructure Panel [WIP]) Task Team.
More news available [here].
Recent Publications
☁ Feng, Z., A. F. Prein, J. Kukulies, T. Fiolleau, W. Jones, B. Maybee, Z. L. Moon, K. M. Núñez Ocasio, W. Dong, M. J. Molina, *M. G. Albright, M. Rajagopal, V. Robledo, J. Song, F. Song, L. R. Leung, A. C. Varble, C. Klein, R. Roca, R. Feng, and J. F. Mejia (2025). Mesoscale Convective Systems tracking Method Intercomparison: Application to DYAMOND Global km-scale Simulations. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. [Link]
☁ Ullrich, P. A., E. A. Barnes, W. D. Collins, K. Dagon, S. Duan, J. Elms, J. Lee, L. R. Leung, D. Lu, M. J. Molina, and T. A. O’Brien (2025). Recommendations for Comprehensive and Independent Evaluation of Machine Learning-Based Earth System Models. Journal of Geophysical Research: Machine Learning and Computation. [Link]
☁ Schreck, J. S., D. J. Gagne II, C. Becker, W. E. Chapman, K. Elmore, G. Gantos, E. Kim, D. Kimpara, T. Martin, M. J. Molina, V. M. Pryzbylo, J. Radford, B. Saavedra, J. Willson, and C. Wirz (2024). Evidential Deep Learning: Enhancing Predictive Uncertainty Estimation for Earth System Science Applications. Artificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems. [Link]
☁ Beadling, R. L., P. Lin, J. Krasting, W. Ellinger, A. Coomans, J. Milward, K. Turner, X. Xu, T. Martin, and M. J. Molina (2024). From the surface to the stratosphere: large-scale atmospheric response to Antarctic meltwater. Geophysical Research Letters. [Link]
More publications available [here].
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Maryland.
