Zev Levin
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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On April 22, 2007, William Cotton interviewed Dr. Zev Levin for the Tape Recorded Interview Project. Dr. Levin recounts his early life in Haifa, Israel, and his family's relocation within Israel. He details his academic journey, beginning with studies in engineering and physics, and later transitioning to atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington. He highlights the influence of mentors, including Peter Hobbs, and his doctoral research on atmospheric electricity and hydrodynamic interactions in cloud physics.
Levin discusses his professional development, including a postdoctoral position at UCLA focused on cloud particle interactions and his return to Israel as a lecturer at Tel Aviv University. He elaborates on his contributions to cloud physics, atmospheric electricity, and ice nucleation, describing his leadership in research on the hydrodynamics of particles, weather modification, and the role of biological materials in ice nucleation.
In addition to research, Levin reflects on his administrative roles, including serving as department chair and establishing the School of Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. He also discusses his advocacy for integrating academic research with commercial applications and his efforts to secure international funding for environmental research. Levin considers his mentorship of students and his contributions to advancing understanding in atmospheric sciences as key accomplishments.
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