Maryland alumnus honored by White House

University of Maryland alumnus Dr. Scott Weaver, received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) at an April 14 White House ceremony.

Weaver, a research meteorologist at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, was one of 102 to win the award this year. According to the White House, the award is the “highest honor bestowed by the United States government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.”  

Weaver’s research looks at global warming’s effect on tornado development in the central U.S.  His goal is to create a seasonal outlook system that would provide tornado activity information and predictions to communities in these regions. The system would help advance the Climate Prediction Center’s understanding and warning strategies and better prepare communities for life-threatening weather.

Weaver received an MS in atmospheric science and a Ph.D. in atmospheric and oceanic science from the University of Maryland. ESSIC / AOSC Professor Sumant Nigam advised Weaver during his graduate education. Weaver also mentors college students through NOAA’s Student Career Experience Program.