Michael French

Tracking Tornadoes with Mobile Radars

May 21st 2016

Tornadoes are one of the last scientific weather frontiers on Earth. With wind speeds as high as 300 mph, tornadoes have caused widespread devastation in the Midwest and Southern Plains, but also can occur in New York City and Long Island. Come meet a local scientist who observes tornadoes up close with radars to learn how tornadoes work.

Photo credit: http://mirsl.ecs.umass.edu/?q=node/35

 

Interviewing Michael

 

Where did you go to school?

Cornell University (B.S.) and University of Oklahoma (M.S. and Ph.D.)

 

What is your area of research?

Observations of severe weather

 

Who or what inspired you to become involved in atmospheric sciences?

My town was stuck by a violent tornado in 1989 when I was 8 years old.

 

What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?

Inquisitiveness and independent thinking

 

Why is your research topic important?

Severe weather kills or injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and causes tens of millions of dollars in damage to property. Ultimately, a better understanding of severe weather may contribute to reduction in harm to people and property.

 

What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?

A PowerPoint presentation including video.

 

What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?

Put in the effort to understand calculus, physics, and computer programming; it is nearly impossible to succeed in the atmospheric sciences at the post-graduate level without these skills.

 

What is your favorite ocean organism?

Sea turtles

Michael-talk

Great success for Michael at Long Island Aquarium on May 19th.

 

Want to learn more about Michael’s research: visit his website at SBU

Michael M. French