Research

Posted by Norm on 2 March, 2012 None comments

So this post may be a bit boring for “non-sciencey” people, but I figured it would be worth posting about what I am doing out here in Victoria. I’ve been here for 6 months, and am intending to complete my qualifying examinations for my Ph.D. beginning on April 9th. The schedule for the University of Victoria (henceforth referred to as UVic) is that Ph.D. students complete qualifying examinations within their first 18 months. This makes my approach a bit aggressive with intentions of presenting my thesis plan by month 10-12. I have 30 working days to complete two essays of approximately 30 pages in length, so this will certainly be a “fun” time of my life. As the graduate advisor told myself and the other 4 Ph.D. students, we need to “suffer” a little to prove our ability to complete the degree.

My research overall focuses on short term (up to 90 day) climate forecasts of storminess in the North Pacific, specifically focusing on Alaska and Alaskan coastlines. Predictions of seasonal temperature and precipitation with respect to climatological means are already conducted in these areas and there is suggestion of skill in prediction of seasonal storminess. The project is sure to evolve as potential users see the prospects for it, but currently it is funded by NOAA and CIFAR (Cooperative Institute for Alaska Research). So that’s the short of my bigger thesis work. I’m also involved in wave power calculations for the Canadian government natural resources group (NRCan), the creation of a flexible storm surge grid for the western Alaska region, and teaching labs for Applied Climatology (GEOG 373).

So that’s where I am right now. I will write more about life and how things are going our here a but later, but this is a start. Take care everyone.

Storm in Victoria

Posted by Norm on 26 November, 2011 None comments

Want to track us on our cross continent move? Check in here!

Posted by Norm on 23 August, 2011 1 comments



3000 miles away….

Posted by Norm on 18 April, 2011 4 comments

Alright. It has been a long time since I have posted anything here. I guess there is no where better to share big news than with anyone who wishes to read my thoughts.

First, let me recap what I have been doing for the year so far. My job at ITS ended in August and I began working with Learning Technologies and Online Education (LTOE) at the end of August. I’ve enjoyed my time working with Justin, Terri, and Ellen and becoming more hands-on with instructional technology on campus. Our department has 3.5 people (me being the .5) to assist all of the faculty on campus with our Learning Management System (LMS), instructional technology (TurningPoint, SMART Boards, etc.), training, and anything else that may come up. Long story short, we are always very busy and try to have fun. We have a great staff and each day is fun. Much different than the front lines of the helpdesk work, which in many ways is a nice reprieve.

On top of the LTOE work, I have been teaching 2 classes per semester for the Meteorology department. During the Fall, I taught my first lecture (Weather) and the Met Majors in their first year lab class (Introduction to Meteorology). During the Spring, I have two classes; A second lecture (Weather) and a blended lecture/lab (Severe and Hazardous Weather). I really have enjoyed the teaching experience and am really looking forward to potentially doing this in the future.

So that brings us to more recent news. Many of you know I had applied for PhD study at University of Alaska-Fairbanks last year with an advisor who had interest in researching storm tracks of Arctic lows and the change of track location as a function of sea ice coverage. He moved on to the University of Victoria in British Columbia before I could go to Alaska, so though I was accepted, I turned down the offer presented to study in Fairbanks.

I did some thinking and applied at the University of Victoria for a PhD in Geography this past fall. Recently, I found out I was accepted and given full funding plus academic scholarships. After some deliberation and talking it over with family, we (Katie and I) decided to accept the position. So long story short, at the end of August, Katie and I be moving to Victoria, British Columbia . . . 3000 miles away. Here’s the drive we’ll be making in late August this year:


View Larger Map
I’ll post more very soon, but I wanted to share this exciting news with all of you. It is bittersweet…exciting and sad that we are leaving so many people behind. This is a great opportunity that will allow for future flexibility and career paths that are yet to be seen. I’ll keep you all posted in the very near future!

July…What a month!

Posted by Norm on 15 July, 2010 1 comments

Well, it sure has been a while. Its been incredibly busy around here what with moving, work, moving other people, work, moving again,weddings, bachelor parties, the PELI Group and just plain fun. Congrats to Jared for getting a job that he will be great at, and I wish him the best of luck.

Its been a really really warm month of July so far, with temperatures averaging above 80 degrees for the day throughout the month. Sadly, for those of us who do not like this trend, we will be staying warm for a few more weeks it seems

Anyways, it might be fun to do an actual forecast for Justin and Jamie’s wedding on Sunday. And, as we are within 3.5 days of the event (not 2 weeks Justin), I feel pretty confident that a forecast for Sunday will hold.

So…after a set of showers on Saturday afternoon (hopefully not during Budro’s wedding), it looks like we will be clearing out as the day goes on Sunday morning. I hope that the forecast holds for Saturday (I would say 20-30% chance of showers over NH) and a nice day on Sunday.

So here’s the forecast:

Saturday: Chance of some showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Highs in the mid-80s Southern NH, low-mid 80s Northern NH. Chance of rain 20-30%
Sunday: Early clouds clearing for a Mostly Sunny day. Highs in the mid-upper 80s throughout NH. Chance of rain 0%.

Congratulations to all of the soon-to-be newly married couples!

Graduated (again).

Posted by Norm on 17 May, 2010 2 comments

Howdy all. Just a quick note of congratulations and thanks to many. Congratulations to the fellow graduates of the MSAM program at Plymouth State for this spring. Also, congrats to all undergrads who will be done this week! And a very sincere thank you to all of you who had a hand in this: my professors, my family, my friends, and my employers. You all have provided me with great insight, great camaraderie, and great experience for all of my future endeavors. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

~Norman

wpid-graduation-2010-05-17-19-15.jpg

Spring. No seriously

Posted by Norm on 17 March, 2010 None comments

I guess it’s safe to say that spring has finally sprung here in New England. We hit 61.3 deg F yesterday here in Plymouth, NH on the roof of Boyd Science Center, with the ASOS out at “Plymouth International” reaching 61 F. The below graph shows the consistent trend recently towards warmer temperatures (other than the few cloudy days last week). So as you look at this graph, some interesting things to note. The spread over time of temperature is MUCH greater on days without clouds (3/8, 3/10, 3/11, 3/16, 3/17). So for you non-weather folk, while cloudy days tend to “suck”, the temperature range is much smaller and less likely to cause freezing temperatures as we march towards warmer weather.wpid-KPLY_TemperaturePlot_1.1einMUI1WkrQ.jpg
This week looks to be beautiful for most of the week, with sunny and seasonably warm temperatures. In Plymouth and the surrounding region, it may be possible that we see temperatures in the 60s for the week. So enjoy the beautiful, warm weather for the next week. Happy St. Patricks Day!

Posted by Norm on 20 November, 2009 None comments

Testing images

Testing images

Well, the NCDC didn’t get mad at me, bu…

Posted by Norm on 3 November, 2009 1 comments

Well, the NCDC didn’t get mad at me, but I have downloaded 11.58 GB of model grids…all of which have to be converted by GEMPAK for me. Thank god for automation

Pemi seems to have possibly crested clos…

Posted by Norm on 25 October, 2009 None comments

Pemi seems to have possibly crested close to 12 feet. Pretty impressive 1 day ago it was at 1.5 feet. Should subside later today into tomorrow