New major
Geography department now offers undergraduate meteorology, climatology degree
10:32 a.m., Sept. 10, 2015--The University of Delaware’s Department of Geography has launched a new undergraduate degree program in meteorology and climatology.
Courses in the new major, which started this fall, combine basic atmospheric science and climatology science with rigorous training in mathematics, physics and computer science.
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Undergraduate students enrolled in the program will develop a broad understanding of the fundamental physical and dynamical processes that govern the motions and behavior of the atmosphere, and its interactions with the underlying land and ocean surfaces.
“We are teaching our students how changing weather patterns and climate impact society and natural systems,” explained Delphis Levia, geography chair and professor of echohydrology, which is housed in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE).
Questions about climate change, and its causes and implications, are among the central environmental questions of this time. At the same time, the science of meteorology is evolving exponentially as technological advances increase the scientific accuracy and precision of forecasting tools.
Students enrolled in the degree program will learn to observe and analyze meteorological and satellite data, and create and interpret weather forecasts, preparing themselves for careers in forecast meteorology, applied meteorology and climatology, as well as environmental fields such as emergency management, renewable energy and climate science.
They may also go on to graduate studies in a variety of areas including atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, public policy and disaster science and management, to name a few. The program’s curriculum also fulfills the National Weather Service and American Meteorological Society standards for a meteorology program.
“Every day our lives are affected by the weather — from what we wear, to where we travel, to our general mood. This generates limitless possibilities and is one of the things that makes the weather a really fun thing to study,” said Dan Leathers, Delaware’s state climatologist and a UD geography professor.
A history of climatology research
The geography department has a strong history of climatological research, climate and weather experts and resources. For example, the department is home to the Office of the Delaware State Climatologist, the Delaware Environmental Observing System and the Delaware Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Center. Housed within CEOE, these centers provide weather and climate information and decision making tools to state agencies and citizens of Delaware.
Established partnerships with the National Weather Service, broadcast agencies and national climate centers offer students unique research and internship experiences to extend their classroom experience beyond the UD campus.
According to UD alumnus Zachary Green, talking with college and department administrators is an important step students should consider when exploring different career opportunities and looking for internships.
“I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue, but conversations with Frank Newton and Delphis Levia led me to consider environmental science and ultimately to broadcast meteorology,” said Green, who earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a concentration atmospheric science in 2013.
Working with Newton, then CEOE assistant dean of undergraduate services, and Levia, then director of the environmental science and environmental studies program, Green secured a credit-based internship at WJAR, an NBC affiliate station in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, during a Winter Session term.
“Their willingness to allow an unconventional opportunity pushed me and led me to my current career. As soon as I saw meteorologists and veteran on-air personalities with 20 to 30 years experience enjoying their job, I knew this was the career for me,” said Green.
Today, Green is a broadcast meteorologist with WLOS, an ABC-affiliate in Asheville, North Carolina. In this role, he serves as the weekend meteorologist and reports on meteorology related stories during the week.
Prior to appearing on air, Green reviews weather models, analytics and maps in order to produce the daily forecast and graphics that he shares with viewers. Following the broadcast, Green continues to monitor the weather throughout the day, communicating changes and engaging with his audience on social media channels like Twitter and Facebook.
“My favorite part is combining my love of science and meteorology with broadcast news. I get to share science with my viewers,” Green said.
About the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) strives to reach a deeper understanding of the planet and improve stewardship of environmental resources. CEOE faculty and students examine complex information from multiple disciplines with the knowledge that science and society are firmly linked and solutions to environmental challenges can be synonymous with positive economic impact.
The college comprises the School of Marine Science and Policy, Department of Geography and Department of Geological Sciences.
CEOE brings the latest advances in technology to bear on both teaching and conducting ocean, earth and atmospheric research. Current focus areas are ecosystem health and society, environmental observing and forecasting, and renewable energy and sustainability.
Article by Karen B. Roberts
Video by Leah Dodd