DESCRIPTION
The summer student volunteer program will be held virtually in 2021. This program provides students the opportunity to learn about the science of weather forecasting and the role of the National Weather Service through live virtual sessions and computer based learning. Students will also complete a guided research project aimed to better understand a local forecast challenge or past significant event. Leadership and professional development are also a focus of the program.
The summer student volunteer program, though not a paying position, has many benefits for students and graduates. Competition for entry level positions with the NWS remains high, and it has proven beneficial for recent college graduates to have prior organizational experience when they apply for positions within the NWS. Several of our previous volunteers have gone on to graduate school, jobs within the National Weather Service, and private sector positions in the field of meteorology. Through pre-arranged coordination with their university, students may also be able to receive college credit for volunteer time with the NWS.
EXPECTATIONS
Expectations of the summer student volunteers at NWS Morehead City include:
Each volunteer will complete a minimum of 120 volunteer hours (research, virtual learning, webinars, etc.) between May and August.
The volunteer will conduct an office approved research project with assigned mentors and present this research to the staff at the end of the internship.
Volunteers will complete a core set of training modules.
Volunteers will routinely attend live training sessions on NWS programs, operational forecasting, and leadership/professional development.
Volunteers will participate in routine webinar tag-ups with mentors to assess progress and identify learning opportunities.
If standards are not met, this may be grounds for dismissal.
REQUIREMENTS
The volunteer program is only open to current undergraduate or graduate level students:
Majoring in meteorology or other related sciences.
Available to volunteer for at least 120 hours between May and August.
In good academic standing.
With access to high-speed internet and a computer with a webcam, speakers, microphone, and webinar capabilities. Technology assets will not be provided.
PAST RESEARCH
Students are required to complete a research project during their time in the program. The research can cover a range of topics from specific forecasting challenges to significant event reviews. Previous student research topics include:
Wind Gust Climatology for Eastern North Carolina
Improving Sea Fog Recognition and Forecasts along the North Carolina Coast
Localized One Inch Hail study
Sea Surface Temperature Climatology
Severe Weather Climatology for Eastern North Carolina
Severe Wind and Downburst Potential study using RAOB
Updating Flood Impact Categories at Local Non-Forecast points
Coastal Flood/Storm Surge Inundation Research
The Use of WEMo along the North Carolina Intracoastal Waterway
CONTACT
If you have any questions, please email the NWS Newport/Morehead City Student Volunteer Program leader, Carl Barnes, at Carl.Barnes@noaa.gov.
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