In the Shadow of the Anvil: 20 Years of Convective Field Studies at Valparaiso University

The Valparaiso University meteorology program has been conducting spring convective storm field study courses for the past 20 years and now has logged 53 weeks and over 200,000 miles on the road with nearly 600 students. Always eagerly anticipated, these twice annual trips are quite unique in that students are given significant responsibility for key elements such as vehicle rosters, conducting briefings, and target and route planning. An overview of the course, including its place in the curriculum, educational goals, logistics, and student learning outcomes will be presented. Factors such as time and infrastructure commitment, safety concerns, lessons learned, and potential course adaptability to other institutions will be discussed. Pictures and/or videos, too!