Robert H. Nazarian, PhD
Associate Professor of Physics
Principle Investigator
Prof. Robert Nazarian is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at Fairfield University and Founding Director of the University's Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies. Additionally, Rob serves as a member of the Fairfield University Environmental Studies steering committee. Prior to joining Fairfield, Rob was a Lecturer in the Geosciences Department at Princeton University. Rob received his PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at Princeton University and his BA in Physics and Mathematics, magna cum laude, from The College of the Holy Cross. Rob is a member of the American Geophysical Union, American Institute of Physics, American Physical Society, European Geophysical Union, Sigma Xi (National Science Honor Society), Pi Mu Epsilon (National Mathematics Honor Society), and Sigma Pi Sigma (National Physics Honor Society).
Rob's primary area of research is the physics governing the ocean, atmosphere, and climate. Specifically, Rob uses computational models to answer exciting questions about the dynamics of the ocean, atmosphere, and climate systems, including past and future climates. Many times, the results of these research projects provide key insight into how we can further improve these computational models. His teaching interests encompass the design and application of active learning (and explosive) pedagogy in both introductory- and advanced-level physics courses. Rob has also recently published his studies in best practices in introductory-level physics and geosciences courses, and he continues to update his courses to reflect these best practices.
In recognition of the work of the entire research team, Rob and students in the lab have been the recipients of several awards. For his mentorship of undergraduates in the Nazarian Group, Rob received the 2022 College of Arts and Sciences Award for Distinguished Student Advising and Mentoring. Additionally, he has guided student researchers in securing prestigious national research awards (including a 2022 Goldwater Fellowship) and distinguished campus-wide fellowships, as well as secured several NASA Space Grants to support undergraduate research. For a preview of Rob's research and teaching interests, feel free to explore his full Curriculum Vitae (CV) via the link:
GROUP MEMBERS
Maddie Biardi, '27
Majors: Physics
Madeleine Biardi began conducting research with the Nazarian group in September 2023, when she arrived at Fairfield University. A Fairfield resident, Maddie is researching internal wave dynamics and the role of internal wave breaking in modifying ocean circulation. In her free time, Maddie likes to research ancient Fertile Crescent culture and legend, and ice skate.
Ethan Chow, '27
Major: Physics and Mathematics
Ethan Chow started his research in the Nazarian group upon his arrival at Fairfield University in September 2023 from Hooksett, New Hampshire. While he enjoys baseball and golf, his main hobby is skiing. This has led Ethan to his current research area of projecting future trends in snowfall and snowpack over the White Mountain region.
Undergraduate Researchers
Francisco Martinez '27
Major: Computer Sciene
Aidan McClure, '30 (Hamilton)
Major: Physics
Francisco Martinez joined the Nazarian Group in Spring 2026. His current research is using climate model output to develop an augmented reality application to visualize sea level rise along coastal CT. Outside of his academic work, Francisco stays active through football (soccer), volleyball, and fitness routine. He is also passionate about linguistics, and is currently working to master Japanese.
Aidan McClure started research with the Nazarian group in June 2024 as a visiting student from Regis High School. Since then, he has matriculated at Hamilton College while continuing his research at Fairfield on the utility of several extreme precipitation metrics. Aidan was a member of Regis High School’s cross country and track teams.