Training the Next Generation of Weather Professionals: The Penn State Weather Risk Management Program

Over the past decade, the Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science has embarked on a series of initiatives to expand both research and education into quantifying and predicting risks due to weather and climate.  In addition to the traditional coursework in dynamic, synoptic, and physical meteorology, the popular Weather Risk Management option of the B.S. program provides undergraduates exposure to the financial instruments used for risk management and the advanced statistics used to quantify and price risk.  Students in this option also acquire the computer programming, statistical model development, and industry-focused practical forecasting experience necessary for energy, insurance, and commodities industries.  The Weather Risk Management option is designed to make graduates more industry-ready for the private weather risk occupations.  In addition, the Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk (CSWCR), directed by Rear Admiral David Titley, draws on the ample research expertise of the department and university and aims to coordinate, synthesize, and integrate knowledge for industry and government partners. CSWCR also provides an avenue for the training of traditional resident graduate students in weather and climate risk specialties.