Valparaiso University's Simultaneous dual-polarization radar: Education, research and learning

The undergraduate meteorology program at Valparaiso University (VU) in northwest Indiana encourages their students to scientifically explore and understand all types of atmospheric phenomena. In July 2007, the program acquired a simultaneous dual-polarization 5-cm Doppler radar. The radar has viewed the full spectrum of weather, from lake breezes to tornadoes. Access to radar, observational and forecast data allows the students to put their classroom knowledge to real-world practice.

Over the past two years a partnership has developed between VU and MIT Lincoln Laboratory (LL) in support of FAA-sponsored research into winter and convective aviation weather systems. VU has provided LL with full access to their radar data. LL has supported several VU student internships. The student interns forecast for icing and convective weather, make changes to the volume scanning patterns of the radar, and prepare and launch radiosondes during icing events. Highlights of this collaborative work, icing and convective weather events, and student experience with the VU radar will be presented.