Meteorology-Climatology Student Spotlight
Name: Amy Conner
Major(s): Meteorology-Climatology
Year in School: Sophomore
Where are you from?
I am from Valley, Nebraska!
What gets you excited about Meteorology-Climatology?
What gets me the most excited about meteorology is the fact that what happens in the atmosphere is completely out of our control. Even though humans have large effects on the climate, we cannot ultimately choose when it rains or when it shines. However, the fact that our knowledge has developed and expanded so much that we can now study, predict, and understand these natural phenomena is astounding to me. It makes me so excited that I get to become a part of this impressive field of science.
Favorite Meteorology-Climatology class or instructor so far? Why?
Even though I would answer "all of them" if I could, I would choose Dr. Kopacz as my favorite meteorology-climatology professor I've had so far. As one of the only women working in the atmospheric science department, she has become a role model for me as I begin to enter the field. She is a fantastic teacher and mentor with a clear passion for climate studies, and she cares greatly for all of her students. I hope to continue working with her in the future.
What are you excited about doing after graduation?
After graduation, I am hoping to attend graduate school to begin research in a more specific area of meteorology. Currently, I am deciding between studying severe weather or mountain weather, and focusing mainly on the forecasting and modeling side of either subject.
What is a goal you have accomplished as a Husker?
One goal I've accomplished as a Husker is to start lifting weights at the gym. I had always wanted to learn and get stronger, but was too intimidated until this year. When I started learning how to bench press, I could barely lift the bar; now, I can lift over half my body weight!
What do you wish you would have known when you started as a Meteorology-Climatology Major that you know now?
One thing I wish I knew before starting this major is that a large portion of the things you learn will be math-based, so it is important to really understand the content in both math and meteorology courses.
What do you hope to cross off your “bucket list” in the next few years?
In the next few years, one thing I hope to cross off my bucket list is to travel to a countryside and/or mountainous place somewhere in Europe. I really want to experience the low light pollution found there to look at stars and the Milky Way, as well as see the Aurora Borealis in more northern regions.
If you would like to see yourself in the spotlight, please contact Doug for more information.