WKU News

Victoria Hampton of Metcalfe County, a junior meteorology major in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, has been awarded a paid summer internship with the 2014 NASA Student Airborne Research Program (SARP 2014).

Hampton was one of 32 undergraduate students selected from universities across the country to participate in SARP. Housing, a travel allowance and stipends are provided for each student.

The purpose of the Student Airborne Research Program is to provide students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign, from detailed planning on how to achieve mission objectives to formal presentation of results and conclusions to peers and others.

Students will work in four multi-disciplinary teams to study surface, atmospheric and oceanographic processes. Participants will assist in the operation of instruments on-board the DC-8 research aircraft to sample and measure atmospheric gases and to image land and water surfaces in multiple spectral bands. Along with airborne data collection, students will participate in taking measurements at field sites.

“These opportunities are very competitive nationally,” said Dr. David Keeling, head of the Department of Geography and Geology. “Our meteorology faculty are developing a reputation for producing exceptional students who can perform at the very highest level across the country. This speaks highly of WKU’s meteorology program and of the faculty and students who have built the program to become one of the best in the U.S.”

Contact: Gregory Goodrich, (270) 745-5986.