Vanguard

Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News

University of South Alabama meteorology student Meghan Mee has been awarded the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings scholarship from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Meghan is a junior in the meteorology department and came to South Alabama because of the uniqueness of the department.
"I chose the University of South Alabama for its unique advancements in atmospheric excellence, its in-house research institution [The Coastal Weather Research Center], seasoned staff and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico," Mee said. "Dr. Bill Williams made me and my family feel right at home when we came to the USA meteorology department open house."
The scholarship is named after former South Carolina Senator Ernest F. Hollings and awards $8,000 per year during the award winners' junior and senior years. Award winners are also required take a 10-week, paid internship during the summer with NOAA. Housing and travel expenses are paid while interning.
"I would like to intern with the National Weather Service," Mee said. "The NWS offers students the opportunity to learn more about careers in operational meteorology."
The Ernest F. Hollings scholarship has many purposes including education, increasing public understanding and support of the ocean and atmosphere and increase training.
The purpose of the scholarship is to train undergraduates in atmospheric and oceanic science, research, technology and education. It also prepares students to educate and teach in subject of oceanic and atmospheric science.
Mee contributes her love for weather to an experience she had during a land falling hurricane.
"I encountered my first impressive weather experience in 1998 with Hurricane George, this is the catalyst where my journey as a meteorologist unfolded," Mee said. "I experienced many hours of a hurricane's fury on both sides of the eye wall and then experienced the peace and tranquility in the middle of the eye."
The hurricane gave Mee the determination to inform people of how to stay safe during severe weather.
After graduation Mee plans to attend graduate school in hopes of receiving a master's degree in meteorology. Broadcast meteorology is the current field she is interested in, but the award winner may be leaning towards operational meteorology in the future.
The meteorology student contributes much of her success to two of South Alabama's instructors.
"Ryan Wade and Gina Wade have been great mentors, and they have given me great encouragement in my pursuit in the meteorology field," Mee said. "I want to also thank my dad and mom who have always supported me in everything I have pursued."

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