Program Information
Program Dates: May 29, 2024 - August 2, 2024 (10 Weeks; travel on May 28 and Aug 3)
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Stipend: 6000 USD ($600/wk)
Additional Support and Benefits:
-Travel to and from Madison, housing in a campus residence hall, and a partial meal plan are covered by the program
-$500 in Wiscard funds for additional meals outside the meal plan
-Access to campus libraries and recreational facilities
-If not already covered, health insurance is provided
Program Highlights:
In addition to a research experience with an awesome scientist mentor, STORM provides weekly professional development workshops (free lunch included!) and other activities that help you get to know us and your cohort. See below for some highlights!
Professional Development
-Coding workshops in Python
-Career panel discussions with scientists in academia, TV, and industry
-Science Communication and Networking workshops
-Workshops on graduate school applications, CVs/Resumes, and writing good abstracts
-A chance to practice your oral presentation skills with a department-wide mid-internship research update
-Explore graduate school opportunities at UW-Madison at the summer graduate program fair
-End of summer poster symposium with freshwater@UW REU students
Department/Cohort Activities
-A field trip to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee
-AOSS building rooftop weather balloon launch
-Tour of the Antarctic Meteorological Research Center in the AOSS building
-Rotating tank experiments and geology museum tour across the street in Weeks Hall
-Scientist, graduate student, and REU student team building exercises and board game afternoon
-Flash talks from scientists, graduate students, and professors across the building
Social Events
-Welcome event on the first day of the program
-Multiple opportunities to interact and spend time with other REU students on campus through SROP program-hosted events including a welcome dinner, trivia, and yoga
-A midsummer picnic with AOS graduate students
-AOS weather movie night
-Weekends are yours to explore loads of other neat things in Madison including:
-Art fair on the square
-Live summer concerts downtown
-Forward Madison Soccer games
-Visits to the zoo and arboretum
-Kayaking on the lakes
-And much more!
-Or if you need to get away, grab some friends and consider heading down to Chicago!
Still have questions? Take a look at our FAQs below!
Can I participate in STORM if I am on the quarter system?
We do make exceptions for students as long as they can arrive no later than the Sunday after the program starts. For Summer 2024 this means you would need to arrive no later than June 2nd so that you can start Monday June 3rd. If you want to discuss your situation further, please reach out!
Do I need to have a background in atmospheric or oceanic science to apply?
No! We want students to use this as an opportunity to explore research in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences, so it is ok if you haven't taken coursework in this area.
How many students are accepted into the program?
We accept 10 students per summer.
Can I drive instead of fly?
Yes! We have had several students drive in the past, but please be aware that you will need to arrange and pay for campus parking on your own.
Am I required to live in the residence hall?
No, but we cannot reimburse you for off-campus housing, which means you will have to cover this expense yourself.
I have a scholarship or other funding source that requires I take a summer class. Can I take a remote summer class and still participate in STORM?
Theoretically yes, but please keep in mind that your course cannot interfere with the mandatory activities in our program or your research. We want you to be able to get the full experience while you are here, and that means showing up for all the awesome stuff we have planned as well as working the 40 hours/week that your stipend pays for!
Didn't find what you're looking for?
Please email the STORM Program Coordinator, Dr. Hannah Zanowski at the Contact Us address below!