Grads at a Glance: A Meteorology Career Sparked by Hurricane Sandy
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 12, 2026) — Atmospheric science major Ryan Sontarp’s path to meteorology began with a historic storm.
Growing up in East Northport, N.Y., Sontarp experienced the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy at just 8 years old. While many people felt fear during the storm, he was fascinated by its intensity and complexity. That experience sparked a lifelong interest in weather and forecasting.
“I knew from that moment on that I wanted to pursue a career in meteorology,” Sontarp said. “When it came time for college, I chose UAlbany because of its amazing Atmospheric and Environmental Science program, which offers a balance of rigorous coursework with hands-on opportunities.”
As a sophomore, Sontarp interned with the New York State Mesonet, a statewide weather observation network operated by the University at Albany. He was also selected last summer for the National Science Foundation’s International Research Experiences for Students (NSF-IRES) program, working jointly with researchers at McGill University in Montreal and UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center to study how smoke from the Canadian wildfires travels through the atmosphere into New York.
Beyond the classroom, Sontarp was involved with the UAlbany Campus Lions Club, a student-run organization focused on community service, volunteerism and leadership. Some of his most meaningful experiences in the club included park cleanups at John Boyd Thacher State Park and volunteering with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
“These opportunities deepened my appreciation for community service,” Sontarp said.
After graduation, Sontarp plans to remain at UAlbany to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Atmospheric Science with a concentration in emergency preparedness. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a career that combines his scientific expertise with disaster management and community resilience efforts.