A CURE for Radar Meteorology: Piloting the Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Format at Purdue University

We present the first known example of a CURE in Radar Meteorology. In the CURE format, which is widely used in the field of biology, students collaborate as a research team on an authentic research project. This format stands in contrast to the “canned” exercises more typical of lab-based meteorology courses. In this pilot CURE at Purdue University, students batch-processed one year’s worth of observations from the X-band Teaching and Research Radar (XTRRA) into quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs), then validated them using observations from a local network of rain gauges. Results of this QPE project are reported elsewhere; this presentation focuses exclusively on the CURE framework and its potential use in lab-based atmospheric science courses.

Students’ satisfaction with this course experience was assessed using pre- and post-course surveys. Students reported that they enjoyed working collaboratively as a team, rather than competitively, for credit. The author will share lessons learned in the deployment of the CURE format. Considerable preparation is required. It is recommended that this course be deployed in upper division settings where students have well-developed task management and technical skills. Where class participants may have mixed skill levels, peer mentoring can help elevate those who are less experienced in research.