The Weather Communications Group (WCG) is a microcosm of the three-fold mission of the land-grant university: teaching, research, and public service. Through innovative teaching, creative internships, and effective service projects, the Weather Communications Group seeks to supplement the excellent academic program for undergraduates and select graduate students in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.
The members of the Weather Communication Group (WCG) are actively involved in teaching undergraduate synoptic meteorology classes (Meteo 413, 415, 416) along with the courses which primarily focus on improving the presentation and and communication of weather forecasts and synoptic meteorology to the public (Meteo 481-485).
During the summer, the group sponsors two week-long resident Weather Camps for students in grades 8-10 and grades 11-12. Some summers, the WCG may host a Teacher’s Camp that provides high school instructors with lessons on the various subjects in weather or a Road Scholar program for senior learners.
In addition, the Weather Communications Group is frequently called on to give talks to groups and provides academic support and advising for prospective students. The group also works closely in supporting the Campus Weather Service and its many operational learning opportunities. In addition, the WCG facilitates students' internships with organizations such as USAToday, the United States Golf Association (USGA), The Weather Channel, and several TV stations and educational institutions.
Students have the opportunity to conduct research with other organizations, including the local office of the National Weather Service. In addition, the Weather Communications Group sponsors both graduate and undergraduate independent research in accordance with the requirements of the department.
Recent research projects have involved developing and improving the Pennsylvania MESONET, the development of an agricultural climate webpage, and COMET project focused on flash-flood forecasts.
The group houses the Pennsylvania State Climatologist Office that explores various new applications of weather and climate information to state agencies and businesses. The State Climate Office offers up to a dozen students each semester the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of applied climatology.
The Weather Communication Group also produces a weeknight 15-minute weather program, Weather World, from the department television studio that is seen across the Commonwealth on Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN). The group continues to provide a daily weather broadcast to Penn State's Public Television Station (WPSX), a partnership which spans several decades.
The group also sponsors two weather camps for middle- and high-school students, each summer.
Learn more about our Weather Communications Group by browsing the alphabetical listing below.
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Marisa Ferger Lecturer in Meteorology Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science 606D Walker Building (814) 865-5873 mferger@psu.edu |
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Rob Lydick Weather World Executive Producer Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science 606D Walker Building (814) 863-4229 rob.lydick@psu.edu |
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Jon Nese Associate Head, Undergraduate Program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science 518 Walker Building 814-863-4076 j2n@psu.edu |
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Benjamin Reppert Lecturer Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science 516 Walker Building (814) 863-3918 bjr5280@psu.edu |
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Steve Seman Associate Teaching Professor Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science 428 Earth & Engineering Sciences/516 Walker Building (814) 863-7205 sas405@psu.edu |
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William Syrett Associate Teaching Professor in Meteorology, New Student Orientation (NSO Adviser), Irvin Hall Adviser (EM &S Special Living Options), Campus Weather Service and PSU Storm Chaser Club Adviser Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science 606C Walker Building (814) 865-6172 wjs1@psu.edu |