The results of Campbell's research are now bring used by NOAA's National Weather Service training.

Not many graduate students are lucky enough to see their research have an immediate impact. This past spring, Patrick Campbell completed his thesis in Atmospheric Science under the direction of Prof. Frank Colby. The results of Campbell's research were immediately incorporated into the National Weather System?s training program, which is used around the world.

Campbell had received his BS in Meteorology from UMass Lowell and had been referred to the National Weather Service by Colby as a good candidate for a very challenging research project. Campbell, who graduated this past spring with an M.S. in Environmental Studies, worked with Colby and Peter Manousos of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction.

The investigation focused on the interaction of jet streams and resulting storm development. Campbell was asked to validate current models used by the National Weather Service, and his findings were immediately put into use. The new data is used to train forecasters about the development of storms and how to best adjust their models to make more accurate predictions.

"When starting this project, I had no idea my research would make such a significant impact," says Campbell. "Two years ago, if somebody were to tell me that my results were going to be included into the National Weather Service's training program and benefit international forecasters, I would have laughed. Personally I feel lucky to have had such a great research opportunity, for which I must thank Prof. Colby."