University of Oklahoma leading the way for next generation weather data training
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) - The University of Oklahoma is leading the way for the next generation to learn complex weather data that could save property and lives.
It is a $6.6 million investment aimed to revolutionize weather forecasting through research.
"CADRE, stands for Consortium for Advanced Data Simulation Research and Education. So it is actually a new initiative," said Dr. Xuguang Wang, Director of CADRE.
While OU is leading the initiative, they are joined by five other universities from across the nation.
Those universities include Penn State, the University of Maryland, Colorado State University, the University of Utah, and Howard University.
Dr. Wang said this was not just an issue within the U.S., but a global issue.
"We're not just training students within CADRE, within the six universities. We're really trying to foster community efforts and development for data assimilation education research," said Dr. Wang.
The university said this program was important because it's a combination of skills and processes that's demanding, but there is a growing need for experts in this area.
"So our goal here is really to first to address the challenges in science of data assimilations through fundamental research," said Dr. Wang. "We also want to address the workforce challenge through cultivating the next generation workforce in data assimilations through our comprehensive education program."
The program takes a hands on approach, allowing students to see their research in action alongside weather scientists.
"We're going to need a holistic approach," said Dr. wang. "So that means a lot collaboration, partnership between multiple universities, collaboration between universities and government agencies and private sectors. It also requires international and transdisciplinary partnership."
Dr. Wang said the approach was necessary to close the workforce gap.
"No matter what situation we're facing, if we really want to advance weather forecast and have the workforce development, it's not going to happen over one day, over one night," said Dr. Wang. "We really need a sustained support for workforce development and and for forecast capability improvement."