Progress of Undergraduate Student-led Tornado Research Initiative | TILTTING

The Thermodynamic Investigation into LCL Thresholds during Tornado-genesis and its Influence in the Northeast and Great Plains (TILTTING) is an undergraduate student-led research initiative aimed at enhancing tornado detection, prediction, and local impact assessment. This project integrates classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork and advanced meteorological tools, including radar, mobile weather stations, radiosondes, and satellite data. TILTTING emphasizes collaboration between students and professionals in meteorology, offering a platform for skill development and research experience. In its current phase, the initiative has progressed in data collection, analysis, and computational modeling, focusing on tornado-genesis, structure, and path prediction in localized regions. Key achievements include deploying to the Great Plains during a two-week expedition that successfully led to four Intensive Observation Periods (IOP’s). While direct contributions to improved public safety and early warning systems are ongoing goals, TILTTING's data collection has facilitated numerous student research projects. These achievements include development of new instrumentation, such as continuous improvements of the TILTTING-23 probe, training for operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and conducting situational training sessions. Impacts of the initiative aim to further the scientific understanding of storm environments, interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthen ties between academia and federal connections, and inspire the next generation of meteorologists. Future phases of the project will continue refining these approaches, with a goal of supporting efforts in risk reduction, disaster preparedness, and resilience to severe weather events, ultimately helping to save lives and property.