Canes 101: USF students study storms

[HurricaneJoe22]

Canes 101: USF students study storms
The University of South Florida's new class on hurricanes is stirring up interest among students.
BY MITCH STACY
Associated Press

TAMPA - In a state where hurricanes have become as much a fact of life as sunburn and snowbirds, it was only a matter of time before a whole college course would be devoted to studying the weather phenomenon.

This summer, the University of South Florida is rolling out an undergraduate research class to examine hurricanes, from the science of why they happen to how communities respond before, during and after they hit. It's believed to be the first college course anywhere to focus on hurricanes so comprehensively.

''Given our location, this is an ideal field of study,'' said Naomi Yavneh, USF's director of undergraduate research who came up with the idea for the class. ``Unfortunately, there are a lot of hurricanes here, so there is always something to study, whether it's preparation, aftermath or the actual event.''

VARIETY OF STUDENTS

The intensive summer-session program has attracted seven students from disciplines ranging from pre-medicine to environmental science, with USF professors contributing from such disciplines as social work, anthropology, geography, and education and public health.

''You talk to the students and each one has a different reason to participate,'' Yavneh said. ``They complement each other really well.''

The curriculum will cover hurricane preparedness, assisting storm survivors, the inner workings of emergency operations centers and the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The first week of class included a tour of the National Weather Service office in Ruskin.

''This class interested me right from the beginning because it offered a certification as a Red Cross volunteer and an in-depth look into social interactions and planning for a hurricane,'' said Dustin Hinkle, a 21-year-old environmental science major who wants to pursue a career in emergency management.

''I'm more interested in the policy and planning, how to do this better and trying to find a way not to let another New Orleans happen,'' he said.

Annie Casta, 20, a biomedical science major, wants to be a doctor. She's interested in the people aspects of hurricane response and wants to learn more about dealing with victims of such a trauma.

''I wanted this training for diversity as a person, and also because of the family services training that we're going to be doing,'' she said. ``I'd love to have that kind of training when I go into medical school.''

This fall, class participants will each be paired with a USF faculty member for a research project that will explore various issues.

Student Brittany Meynardie, 20, is an international studies and English major who plans to someday practice international law. She wants to get involved with one professor's research project examining how disasters are portrayed in popular culture.

LONG-TERM BENEFIT

She figures that whatever she takes away from the class will benefit her later.

''I eventually want to be president of the United States, so this will also help me out with future planning,'' she said, not kidding.

Yavneh said she won't mind if the students never have to apply what they learn, but chances are good they will. The National Hurricane Center has predicted four to six major hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico this season, which begins Thursday..