Undergraduate Research
UNC Asheville is nationally recognized as a leader in undergraduate research. As a founder of the National Council for Undergraduate Research (NCUR), UNC Asheville provides an excellent environment for those students interested in participating in projects normally reserved for graduate students.
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences has a robust undergraduate research program. Our faculty members mentor students in projects that have involved numerical modeling of Asheville snow events, rapid intensification of tropical cyclones, tornado damage assessments, public perception of tornado warnings, mountain rainfall patterns, and climatological studies for use in pavement design and transportation safety. Many of these students publish conference preprint articles and present their research at local, national, and international conferences.
Participation in undergraduate research in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences is open to all qualified sophomores, juniors, or seniors. All interested students must attend an informational meeting held early in the fall semester to learn about the research program and the research interests of atmospheric sciences faculty. Occasionally, there are opportunities for students to work on a funded research project in which students earn a small stipend. All students who successfully complete the requirements of their faculty mentor during the semester receive credit toward their degree (ATMS 499). If you have any questions about the research program, please contact any faculty member.