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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that the $250,000 he secured in fiscal year 2009 federal funds for the Valparaiso University Department of Geography and Meteorology has been released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is now available to the university. The grant for the top-rated department will support program development and technology acquisitions and help boost the region’s prowess in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“The Valparaiso meteorology program, through its science and technology-driven curricula and research, helps create an innovation environment in Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky. “It is an important player in efforts to diversify our local economy and encourage job creation in the high-tech sector, and I am proud to support its contributions to education, applied research, and Northwest Indiana’s communities.”
“Valparaiso University appreciates Congressman Visclosky's long-standing support of our academic programs and the entire Northwest Indiana community,” said Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler. “This funding for Valpo's meteorology program will enable us to strengthen our community outreach and education, in addition to providing for equipment, software and other items that support the leading edge weather technology and research taking place on campus. Valpo possesses one of the nation's premier undergraduate meteorology programs, and with Congressman Visclosky's support, we will continue to educate top-notch meteorology students for careers in the National Weather Service, Air Force and other organizations.”
The Department of Geography and Meteorology is at the top of its field and Valparaiso is one of only a few universities in the nation to use dual-polarization Doppler radar and radiosonde balloon technology. In fiscal year 2008, Visclosky secured $817,000 for the department’s radar system. The technology is used in student and faculty research and also helps keep Northwest Indiana prepared for significant weather events such as lake effect snow, tornadoes, and severe rain storms.
This installment of funding will allow the meteorology program to increase community engagement, outreach, and education in Northwest Indiana as well as add and upgrade instruments to complement the previously-acquired technology. Taken together, the two grants will provide the program with the technological infrastructure needed to produce top-notch graduates for placement in graduate programs, the National Weather Service, and the Air Force for years to come. |
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