89th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting

Sunday, 11 January 2009
Local AMS student chapter and Eagle chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Phoenix Convention Center
Daniel J. Halperin, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; and K. L. Seaman and R. Haley
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, can participate in two meteorology-related student organizations—the local AMS student chapter and the Eagle Chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi. The groups are proud to consistently send several members to the AMS Annual Student Meeting where they can take advantage of the various learning and networking opportunities available.

The local AMS student chapter caters to all students (regardless of major) that have an interest in meteorology and seek to share that interest with others. The chapter focuses on group activities that pique the interest of the members. For example, several of the members participate in the WxChallenge collegiate forecasting competition. They also take photographs for a calendar that is published and sold as a fundraising activity.

The Eagle Chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi is the local chapter of the National Meteorology Honor Society. The organization exists as a way to recognize the achievements of meteorology students as well as provide them with opportunities to explore specific areas of interest and possible careers in the field. In addition to academic achievement, community service is a priority. Chi Epsilon Pi members routinely visit local schools to give presentations on various weather topics such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and weather safety.

For many activities, these organizations work in tandem to support students' interest in meteorology. Both organizations host an annual event called “Science Day” where local students visit the Embry-Riddle campus and learn about meteorological phenomena through presentations and hands-on activities. Additionally, they sponsor a SKYWARN storm spotter training session which is open to all students, free of charge. Both organizations actively seek new members each semester that will contribute new ideas to establish a meteorological foundation beyond the classroom.

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