UAlbany Weather Camp Introduces Atmospheric Sciences to Future Scholars

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 6, 2022) — A group of 10 high school students from districts across the Capital Region recently completed a two-week weather camp at the University at Albany that introduced them to the fundamentals of atmospheric science.

The UAlbany Weather, Climate and Chemistry Camp took place from Aug. 10-19 and included students from Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Watervliet and Rensselaer. The students were offered presentations, demos and hands-on activities, along with tours of the National Weather Service’s Albany forecast office and the New York State Mesonet headquarters, both located inside the ETEC research and development complex, and a day trip to the Atmospheric Science Research Center’s (ASRC) Whiteface Mountain Observatory in the Adirondack Mountains.

Students learned about career opportunities as well, including a presentation and “green screen” practice with WNYT on-air meteorologists Christina Talamo and Reid Kisselback, both recent Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences alums.

The annual summer camp, which is free, and intended to serve students from local urban school districts, was launched in 2015. It is co-hosted by Sara Lance, a research associate at ASRC, and Justin Minder, an associate professor at DAES, with support from faculty in both departments.

Students attend through support from Lance’s National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award. The prestigious five-year grant is awarded to scientists who “have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.”

Along with faculty, UAlbany graduate students are invited to offer presentations on topics related to atmospheric science or their own research projects. The campers also learn about the college experience through a campus tour, eating in campus dining halls, and lectures on the college financial aid process.