Aspiring meteorologists can earn degree in S. Fla

[HURAKAN]

Aspiring meteorologists can earn degree in S. Fla.

With the region's weather as their lab, students in the atmospheric science track at Florida International University study to become future hurricane researchers, broadcast meteorologists and other climate-related professionals.

BY IDY FERNANDEZ
idyfernandez@yahoo.com
http://www.miamiherald.com/295/story/293487.html

Obsessed with news and weather, 19-year-old Candace Campos rattles off names of researchers from the National Hurricane Center and meteorologists from various networks as if they were her childhood heroes.

So what happens when a teen like Campos wants to combine her love for all things news and meteorology with a degree? Until recently, college-bound students had to choose between the University of Miami and Florida State University. Now there's a third option -- thanks to Florida International University, which has been offering an ''atmospheric science'' track since the fall of 2006 as part of the earth sciences department.

''I couldn't afford UM and I didn't want to leave Miami to go to FSU because there are so many resources locally like the National Hurricane Center,'' said Campos, a sophomore majoring in atmospheric science at FIU.

Campos hopes to make it as a broadcast meteorologist and now works as morning weather producer for WSVN-Fox.

There are currently 15 students who have declared meteorology as their major and three of them are expected to graduate in 2009, according to FIU.

Students who enroll in the meteorology track will graduate with a bachelor of science in geological sciences with a concentration in atmospheric science, opening the door for work in private industries, such as insurance, broadcast or government.

''It's a great career that provides an opportunity for a lot of adventure,'' said Hugh Willoughby, a distinguished research professor at FIU and former research meteorologist at the hurricane research division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

``Meteorology comes up as one of the top 10 best jobs in surveys because there is a lot of potential growth. If you go into a private industry you can do well financially, while the government offers job security and good benefits.''

For Sandy Delgado, 20, a junior who expects to be part of the Class of 2009, the program is a great fit for his passion: tropical meteorology. While wrapping up his internship with an oceanographer at NOAA, Delgado hopes to earn a doctorate and become a hurricane researcher at the National Hurricane Center.

Students who choose the atmospheric science track receive both a basic background in earth sciences, in addition to meteorological and climatological courses. The bachelor's degree in atmospheric science also meets the undergraduate course work requirements for professional certification by the American Meteorological Society.

But it's not all weather maps and temperature changes.

''It's a lot of work. People think as a meteorologist you stand in front of a screen and point in a circular motion,'' said Campos, who credits her experience with Hurricane Andrew for stirring her interest in meteorology. ``It's fast-paced and ever-changing.''

Students are required to take demanding math and science classes, including calculus, physics and chemistry that supplement courses like meteorological dynamics, which explains how the winds and weather work, and physical meteorology, the nature of rain and clouds.

''There's no selection hurdle other than being able to do the work,'' Willoughby said. ``But if you can't handle the math, it's not for you.''

Though the atmospheric science program is still relatively young, Willoughby hopes that with future courses like ''boundary layer flow,'' which explains flow right near the surface, the program will attract students in other majors, such as civil engineer hopefuls who will need to know the influences behind hurricane damage at the surface.

''South Florida is like a lab in itself -- you live meteorology every day,'' said Campos, the sophomore looking to become an on-air meteorologist. ``Chemistry can be explained to you, but you never get to experience it the way I can explain to you how a hurricane works and then next week one can hit the city. It's a tangible science you can feel and hear and this is the perfect place for it.''

[JonathanBelles]

Awesome that you were mentioned. I love the fact that there is now a third university to choose from in Florida now!

[tropicana]

really good article, thanks for posting that, it is so good for other options for aspiring people in the field.

-justin-

[Cyclone1]

I've been definately considering FIU for a while. What are the other two MET schools fact? If one of them is FSU, you can omit that one. I will never be a nole.

(Awesome that you were included in the article, Sandy.)

[JonathanBelles]

I've been definately considering FIU for a while. What are the other two MET schools fact? If one of them is FSU, you can omit that one. I will never be a nole.

(Awesome that you were included in the article, Sandy.)

University of Miami

[Cyclone1]

I've been definately considering FIU for a while. What are the other two MET schools fact? If one of them is FSU, you can omit that one. I will never be a nole.

(Awesome that you were included in the article, Sandy.)

University of Miami

Oh ok. Well, FIU and Miami are like next door right? Either way, if I have to choose between those two, I'll choose FIU. I probably won't rule out FSU either, for the sake of not having to move to S Fla. I love the Tampa Bay area too much.

[JonathanBelles]

I've been definately considering FIU for a while. What are the other two MET schools fact? If one of them is FSU, you can omit that one. I will never be a nole.

(Awesome that you were included in the article, Sandy.)

University of Miami

Oh ok. Well, FIU and Miami are like next door right? Either way, if I have to choose between those two, I'll choose FIU. I probably won't rule out FSU either, for the sake of not having to move to S Fla. I love the Tampa Bay area too much.

I'm gonna do more research on FIU meteorology (links anyone) but I think FSU is still going to be the school I am going to be going to.

[HURAKAN]

Earth Sciences: http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/geology/Content ... ology.html

[HURAKAN]

Graduating on May 3rd !!

[Tireman4]

Go Hurakan Go!!!

[HURAKAN]

Go Hurakan Go!!!

Thanks!! Diff. Equations final tomorrow!

[Tireman4]

Go Hurakan Go!!!

Thanks!! Diff. Equations final tomorrow!

You will do well.

[HURAKAN]

Go Hurakan Go!!!

Thanks!! Diff. Equations final tomorrow!

You will do well.

Thanks!! I just need 52% to pass the class, so, that or better is my goal! After almost 6 years, it's almost over!

[Tireman4]

Woo Hoo and Hurakan is a Pro-Met...Go on with your bad self!!

[HURAKAN]

Woo Hoo and Hurakan is a Pro-Met...Go on with your bad self!!

Pro-Met ... sounds good!!!