“Has meteorological information been functional for recent events?” Presented by Dr. Eric Hoffman

2021-2024 Souza Professor of Meteorology

This presentation will include review of how meteorological information is presented both to the public and how it is currently adapted for use by decision makers in various fields. It will examine several recent extreme weather events and review whether the information given to various end users were functional.

Reception to follow. This lecture is free with limited seating.

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Dr. Eric G. Hoffman received his B.S. in meteorology from Cornell University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in atmospheric science from the University at Albany (SUNY).  His areas of expertise include synoptic and mesoscale meteorology.

Prior to joining the PSU faculty in 2000, Dr. Hoffman worked for the National Weather Service as an aviation meteorologist for the Aviation Weather Center.  While in graduate school, he worked as a part-time broadcast meteorologist for WGY-AM Radio in Schenectady, NY, and as a graduate research and teaching assistant.

Dr. Hoffmann has a wide range of research interests and has recently worked with both undergraduate and graduate students on a variety of projects including cold-air damming in northern New England, impactful weather associated wit stationary fronts in the eastern U.S., climatological studies of high wind events, and weather-related power outages.

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The Colonel Craig Souza ’87 Endowed Professorship in Meteorology was made possible through a generous gift from retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Craig Souza.  Souza served most of his career supporting the U.S. Army, including serving as the senior Air Force meteorologist supporting the Army and its Chief of Staff’s weatherman.  Souza credits his illustrious career to his time at PSU.  The purpose of the endowment is to celebrate and provide financial support to a deserving PSU faculty member who will research and present on the value of “functional meteorology.”