Igniting a Passion for Meteorology in the Next Generation

The future of the field of meteorology lies with the next generation of students who will soon shape and drive advancements in weather prediction and climate science. Over the past year and a half, IMPACT team member Sydney Lybrand has engaged these young minds six times at local elementary schools in north Alabama. Her presentation introduces students to the role, educational background, and unique experiences of a meteorologist. She also shares what she enjoys about working in meteorology and her passion for the weather.

Through her presentations, the students gain insights into meteorology topics and common jobs in the field. Sydney touches on several common meteorological phenomena and guides the students in an exercise that gives them experience in weather forecasting. The students consider a central question: why should we care about meteorology? The students gain and test their knowledge on practical aspects of weather forecasting such as the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

Sydney believes that these presentations and activities are effective in teaching students how weather impacts us daily. She hopes to provide the students with a better understanding of the weather and its immediate impacts. This includes raising awareness when it comes to meteorological phenomena and the typical ways we receive information pertaining to weather threats. Sydney describes an exercise in which she issued a cupcake watch with graphics showing the area of interest. The watch became a warning when cupcakes appeared and were passed out to the students.

Sydney believes that careers in science are achievable by anyone.

"I hope that by giving these school talks, something I say or present to the students will help inspire a future generation of scientists and meteorologists. Science is amazing and extremely fascinating, and I hope to help others see that as well."

Sydney credits living her entire life in “Dixie Alley,” a region in the southern United States particularly vulnerable to strong to violent tornadoes, as part of the reason she chose to pursue a career in meteorology. She believes that meteorology is often underestimated as an area of science as well. Significant progress in meteorological advancement has come at a slower pace when compared to some other fields. As a meteorologist, Sydney hopes to make a significant mark on the field since numerous unanswered questions remain about how the atmosphere and many meteorological phenomena work.

It is crucial to nurture young minds with a passion for meteorology and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle these issues. These students will be at the forefront of developing innovative technologies, sophisticated models, and sustainable solutions which will help scientists better understand and advance atmospheric science and meteorology. Their fresh perspectives, curiosity, and dedication will be instrumental in expanding our understanding of Earth’s complex weather systems and in designing effective strategies to solve problems.

View Sydney's LinkedIn profile.