Seminar Speaker: CliMAS Professor Kelvin Droegemeier

Embracing the New Illinois Leads Strategic Plan: Two Bold CliMAS Initiatives in style="text-align: center;">Observations and Quantum S&T

This presentation describes two new major initiatives within the Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences. The first is the Illinois Three-Dimensional Mesonet, which is planned to build upon the existing Illinois Climate Network through the addition of some 80 sites that measure a variety of environmental parameters above the surface, at the surface, and below ground. The 3D Mesonet is expected to become the first fine-scale US observing network to use autonomous drones to sample the lower part of the atmosphere – which is among the most important regions relevant to weather but also the most poorly observed. The 3D Mesonet is a joint initiative between CliMAS and Prairie Research Institute.

The second initiative is the Center for Quantum Weather Science and Technology (QWST). In contrast to other weather-focused centers and institutes built around meteorological phenomena or specific topics, such as satellite sensing, coastal processes, severe weather, hydrology, and tropical weather, QWST is structured around three technology platforms: quantum sensing, quantum computing, and quantum communications. It also will have a national network of Quantum Accelerators that focus on operational testing, education, industry partnerships, and community engagement.

The presentation will address the motivation for creating these two initiatives, describe their goals,  structures, and current status, and the role CliMAS and UIUC are playing in their development and planned operation.

https://illinois.zoom.us/j/87247933909?pwd=Yg9a5afZrUDAodWJBhap3HvxzMVVeo.1

Meeting ID: 872 4793 3909     Pass Code: 202496