Blue ribbon studies have noted the poor state of training of students in observational aspects of atmospheric sciences. Previously, the Principal Investigator integrated "hands on" field experience with a formal graduate course. This course on the physics of clouds included a two week field component which provided students with actual experience on a research aircraft from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The Principal Investigator proposes a similar effort associated with studies in remote sensing. In this case, the field component will include a two week field trip to the CHILL national radar facility at Colorado State University. The students will have use of the radar with guidance being provided by the Principal Investigator and nationally recognized radar meteorologists from Colorado State University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Each student will be assigned a research area which will include weather targets of opportunity as well as previously collected case studies which can be replayed over the radar system.
