Celebrating Synoptic–Dynamic Meteorology: An Introduction to Daniel Keyser and the Daniel Keyser Symposium

The Daniel Keyser Symposium celebrates the field of synoptic–dynamic meteorology through the lens of Dan’s career and his contributions to science and education. In this opening talk to the symposium, we describe Dan’s 50-year career starting with his undergraduate and graduate student days at The Pennsylvania State University, his time as a research scientist at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and his role as professor at the University at Albany, State University of New York. We provide an overview of his research, covering his influential papers on the structure, dynamics, and diagnosis of fronts and extratropical cyclones. We explore his applied contributions to the field of weather forecasting and fire-weather research. Finally, we explore his commitment to and impact on atmospheric science education.