Robert "Bobby" Arthur

April 8, 2025

What do you like about your job and/or about working at the Lab?

I like the variety of projects and research topics I get to explore every day. The Lab has also given me a very supportive environment for building my career and developing new skills.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

I do a little bit of everything—data analysis, writing, project management, and mentoring. Sometimes it is challenging to switch from one "mode" to another, but the variety keeps me engaged.

What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?

I am most proud of my LDRD project focused on the impacts of ecosystem disruption on renewable energy, which is entering its final year. This was the first project that I conceived of and led on my own. I was able to build a multidisciplinary team of very smart, motivated people and have learned a lot about project management in the process.

What is your educational/career background?

I got a BS in engineering science from the University of Virginia in 2010. Then, I moved to California for my MS and PhD in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford, finishing in 2016. After that, I moved across the Bay for a short postdoc at UC Berkeley, where my advisor connected me to LLNL. I started another postdoc at LLNL in 2017 and became a staff member in 2019.

What inspired you to go into science/your field of work?

Growing up, I was always fascinated by water, especially the ocean. Eventually, that led me to graduate school, where my PhD focused on ocean waves. The fluid mechanics of the ocean and atmosphere are actually similar in many ways, which made for a relatively smooth transition into atmospheric science at LLNL. What I continue to appreciate about fluid mechanics is its unique blend of complex mathematics and intuitive understanding. People have a visual appreciation for fluid mechanics from their everyday lives, making it a fun research topic to discuss with anyone.

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

Don't be afraid to try something new, there are a lot of smart and supportive people to guide you. Also, take advantage of LLESA's free exercise classes!

What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

I love spending time with my family and being outside, especially playing golf and biking. I also like cooking and sourdough bread baking (my starter is almost 5 years old!).

Are you a member of any employee networking groups?

LLESA Golf Networking Group

How many years have you worked at the Lab?

8

Where are you from?

Virginia

Do you support disciplines or programs outside PLS?

Global security

Learn more about Bobby:
Biography