As an undergraduate in Meteorology at Iowa State University, each student is required to complete original research that is done in collaboration with a mentor who is either a faculty member at Iowa State or another professional meteorologist/researcher. This program is designed to provide in-depth experience with guided professional inquiry for all of the graduates in Atmospheric Science at Iowa State. The students' findings are reported in written theses are are also presented orally at the Iowa State University Atmospheric Science Undergradute Research Symposium. My research that was completed to satisfy these requirements set forth by Iowa State's Department of Meteorology is below:
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Synoptic Environments Associated with Significant Tornadoes in the Contiguous United States |
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A database of 274 tornadoes that were given ratings of
(E)F2 or higher from 2002 through 2008 are examined by
the use of both subjective and objective analysis. The
collected environmental data consisted of the subjective
classification of the synoptic regime at 500 hPa and
surface, and objective analysis from RUC gridded analysis
files. The synoptic environment of these significant
tornadoes is compared to the pioneering work of Fawbush
and Miller in hopes of updating the original
classifications and methodologies that were presented
in the 1950's and 1970's. This data may also be used to
compile an up-to-date composite of the synoptic environments
that are associated with significant tornadoes across the
contiguous United States. Undergraduate Thesis Presentation (PDF) Undergraduate Thesis Paper (PDF) |
or view my current Resume for an overview.