Weiwei Li is a Project Scientist at NSF NCAR Research Applications Laboratory. She led the DTC Visitor Program and co-leads DTC’s UFS Physics Testing and Evaluation (T&E) project. Her broad scope of work includes leading the model physics performance assessment, advancing the Common Community Physics Package (CCPP), and fostering collaborations across the weather and climate modeling community.
Trained as a tropical meteorologist, Weiwei consistently strives far beyond her original expertise since joining the DTC. She leads the air–sea interaction component of the T&E effort, made the MPAS physics CCPP-compliant, and incorporated the Cold-air Outbreaks in the Marine Boundary Layer Experiment (COMBLE) dataset into the CCPP Single Column Model case library—conducting in-depth analyses along the way. Her adaptability and technical skill have been key to evaluating physics innovations across diverse processes and regimes in UFS applications.
In her role as Visitor Program lead, Weiwei instantly partnered with the DTC Director to develop a fresh set of hosting guidelines—an initiative that will strengthen the program for years to come. She also organizes and leads weekly DTC Physics T&E meetings, ensuring steady progress, fostering collaboration, and maintaining the team connection to emerging priorities in the physics development community. Aside from her numerous leadership and management duties, she continues to produce high-quality scientific analyses and technical contributions.
Weiwei’s impact at DTC is not only from her expertise, but also from her energy, curiosity, and collaborative spirit. Whether in science, leadership, or building community, she exemplifies the blend of dedication and excellence that drives DTC forward.
