Mentor: Dorian Abbot, Professor, Geophysical Sciences
Daniel Hernandez is an undergraduate CS major specializing in machine learning, with a minor in data science, and a member of the UChicago track and field team. He also plans to pursue the CS BS/Mx program at UChicago. As a summer research assistant for Professor Abbot, he conducted research on developing AI-driven emulation tools for extreme climate events.
“This internship gave me practical experience applying cutting-edge AI methods to pressing problems in climate science, strengthening my ability to work at the intersection of computation and Earth systems. It showed me how novel machine learning models can aid in understanding climate dynamics, while also underscoring the importance of interpretability in high-stakes scientific contexts. The mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to interdisciplinary research will guide my future path as I seek to contribute both technical innovation and scientific insight to climate modeling, prediction, and sustainable solutions.”