From the scattered showers of coursework and papers to the tempests of extracurricular activities and social connections, college students have to navigate a cyclone of challenges. Adjusting to the winds of fate – and staying warm through the winds of February – are all a part of the hail and thunder of an academic year.

Weathering all of the storms, Virginia Tech’s Meteorology Club gives students the chance to experience all of the dimensions of weather science while preparing them for blue-sky futures based on understanding the processes and patterns of the atmosphere.

For its contribution to student experience, the Meteorology Club was honored as the Outstanding Student Organization at Virginia Tech for 2024 by Student Affairs.

“The Meteorology Club has brought out the best in me,” said junior Keegan Miller, a meteorology major in the Department of Geography who served as the club’s treasurer this year, and will be interning with AEM Earth this summer. “It helped me break out of my bubble, helped me get to know my peers, professors, and alumni more personally and professionally, and it helped me decide on my career path in this field.”

Meteorology Club highlights

  • Educational outreach: From recounting their firsthand experiences with tornadoes during the Hokie Storm Chase field course to leading an inclement weather “Prepare-a-thon” in Roanoke, members of the club have gained hands-on experiences.
  • Conference attendances: Members attended the Mid-Atlantic Severe Weather Conference in Richmond and were awarded first place for a poster presented at the national American Meteorological Society meeting in Baltimore.
  • Speakers and readings: The club has hosted or cohosted authors, meteorology professionals, and industry leaders, including author Jim Minich who wrote “Without Warning," Dominion Energy Meteorologist Erin Guidry Hurd ’18, and NOAA Disaster Preparedness Specialist Emily Setser. 
  • Getting social: From hikes to Cascade Falls to seminars on conference readiness to building a float for the Blacksburg Christmas parade, the Meteorology Club has given students opportunities to have fun while sharing the science of weather.

“Being involved in the Meteorology Club has given me the opportunity to make lifelong friends and connections, as well as opening doors for me to other parts of meteorology science and the community,” said Riley Alden ’24, who served as the club secretary. “If it weren’t for our club, I wouldn’t have been as prepared as I am now to be a meteorologist.”

Meteorology Club sponsor David Carroll ’84, instructor of applied meteorology in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, said social organizations provide important connection points for students.

“Curriculum related clubs like ours are an important part of student life,” said Carroll, who teaches on the subjects of applied meteorology and severe weather. “They can help bridge the gap with other that have similar interests on campus. If you’re interested in anything weather, whether it’s your major or not, our club a great place to learn more about meteorology.”

A group of people stand around an open instrument box that is part of a remote weather station.
Instructor and faculty sponsor David Carroll (at center, wearing a black shirt) explains the technologies used to measure weather in remote locations. Photo by Chris Moody for Virginia Tech.

In addition to connecting students on campus, the club – recognized as the regional (Blue Ridge) chapter of both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association – strives to connect aspiring Virginia Tech meteorologists with both the Blacksburg community and weather professionals around the country.

“The Meteorology Club is a major point of pride for our department,” said geography department chair Tom Crawford. “It integrates meteorological themes with professional development activities, alumni engagement, community outreach, and social activities. I can’t imagine a better cocurricular organization to advance the student experience.”

Forecasts for future meteorologists

  • “If you want a great way to get involved with the program, make friends and connections with alumni, have opportunities at internships and jobs, and just love everything weather, then I suggest you join the Meteorology Club. It’s given me an experience like no other, and it’s very high on my recommendation list to incoming freshmen,” Alden said.
  • “Get to know the students, faculty, and alumni around you, and ask for help whenever you need it. Someone always know someone who knows something, and we’re all here to grow into the best meteorologist we can be. Give it your best shot and you’ll get something worth all the effort you put into your degree," Miller said.

Students interested in exploring campus organizations and clubs like the Meteorology Club can visit GobblerConnect to find their community.

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