Hey there. I am Aara’L Yarber (my first name is pronounced air-uh-el). I'm an atmospheric scientist, science writer, and visual storyteller. I use words, data, and art to explore the connections between people and the planet.

I earned my Ph.D. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science from Penn State, where I studied how Saharan dust, agricultural burning, and city emissions shape air quality in West African cities. Now, as a postdoc at Howard University, I research biases in air quality forecasts in the U.S (you can find my Google Scholar here).

I’m also a science communicator passionate about making science accessible and inspiring for all. I’ve written for Capital B Atlanta, Eos, the American Physical Society, and the American Geophysical Union, and I was a AAAS Mass Media Fellow at The Washington Post.

Beyond writing, I started building a visual art practice rooted in love and advocacy this past year. Through art and storytelling, I aim to spark wonder and introspection, expand representation, and connect people to the beauty of the world around them, in hopes of creating just systems for all. Come along for the journey.