Eliminating the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, estimated to save $1.85 million, was part of a larger effort to erase the deficit. Far-reaching researchThere are about 17 faculty in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, Houston said. And then there’s the climate and weather research. Associate professor Andrea Basche is among the institute’s researchers who have used Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department research in the past. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department members served as advisers on the report, and one faculty member was also a lead author.