3D Weather Data Visualization and Analysis

Powered By: Mississippi State and National Science Foundation

The 3D Weather project seeks to A) improve secondary science education’s capacity to foster scientific and computational knowledge and literacy; B) improve secondary science teachers’ competency to innovate science learning by integrating large scale-atmospheric data and computational thinking and practices into science instruction; and C) make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge regarding how to create STEM education pathways by harnessing the data revolution.

Meet our Team:

Dr. Yan Sun (PI) is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at Mississippi State University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Learning, Design, & Technology from Purdue University and completed her post-doctoral research work at Texas A&M University. Dr. Sun’s research and teaching revolve around the area where STEM education intersects with technology. She is particularly interested in examining how emerging technology can be integrated to improve STEM education and to enhance students’ interest and motivation in learning STEM and pursuing STEM careers. Dr. Sun has expertise in quantitative and mixed-methods research, and has been applying quantitative and mixed-methods methodologies in her research on innovative technology-integrated STEM education pedagogy, projects, and interventions.

Dr. Jamie Dyer (co-PI) is a Professor of Meteorology and Climatology in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. He received his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Georgia. Dr. Dyer’s primary research interests include numerical weather prediction, surface-atmosphere interactions, and hydrometeorology, and is currently working on studies utilizing advanced hydrological and meteorological models to study atmospheric responses to changing surface features (i.e., land use, vegetation, etc.). He is also using imagery and atmospheric observations from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for visualization and analysis of extreme and local-scale hydrological events. Dr. Dyer’s teaching interests include atmospheric dynamics, hydrometeorology, and aviation meteorology, which all involve a strong focus on data analysis and visualization using computational methods. As a result of the computational aspects of his teaching and research, Dr. Dyer’s motivation for this project is to advance students’ knowledge and understanding in scientific applications using computational thinking and resources to better prepare them for a data-rich and high-technology world.

Mr. Jonathan Harris is a marine geophysicist and Director of Education & Outreach for the Northern Gulf Institute. Harris is a Mississippi licensed STEAM educator who creates and implements marine, earth, atmospheric, and environmental science related curriculum for students, educators and the public throughout the region using NGI’s high performance computing capabilities, autonomous aircraft and surface vessels and other marine resources. Harris also provides marine operations and logistical support for the offshore research operations conducted by the NGI for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as for research conducted by and for the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act, and the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence (MBRACE). As a graduate of Mississippi State University and a former member of the faculty of the Department of Geoscience, Harris has been associated with MSU for over 30 years with extensive experience overseas and offshore in both energy and environmental industry.

Dr. Mahnas Jean Mohammadi-Aragh (Co-PI) is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering at Mississippi State University. Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh believes that learning is fun and that we should leverage computing to improve learning. These two principles motivate her dedication to improving the ways in which we teach students to engineer. Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Engineering at Mississippi State and then spent several years creating scientific visualizations and virtual reality applications. Six years later she was happily designing what she calls “video games for scientists” when she was asked to guest lecture for a first-year engineering course. The experience was life-changing: Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh quit her job and went back to school! Earning a Ph.D. in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech enabled her to career-shift from helping scientists learn to helping students learn. These days, Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh continues to learn through all of her fun research projects with topics including writing to support learning to program, the pedagogical uses of computers and virtual reality systems, and fundamental concerns related to engineering pathways. Past “pathways” projects have examined how community, identity, messaging, and diversity impact the recruitment and retention of engineers. In the classroom, Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh strives to create engaging opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. She currently teaches first-year electrical and computer engineering design courses, and graduate courses focused on visualizing scientific data and engineering education. Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh views computational thinking as a requisite skill for future engineers, and is thrilled to be examining fun ways to combine learning and visualization to support the success of future engineers and scientists.

Dr. Pat Ko (Co-PI) is a post-doctoral associate at Mississippi State University and is collecting and analyzing data for the 3D Weather Analysis and Visualization project. He received a PhD in STEM Education from the College of Education at the University of Texas in Austin, and also holds Master’s degrees in computer science, electrical engineering and secondary education. In addition, he has worked as a computer chip logic designer, and taught in public high schools and universities. His research interests include developing computational thinking skills, as well as computer science and engineering education. Previous work includes mixed-methods research on high school robotics classes and quantitative and qualitative studies of high school engineering classes.

Dr. Lisa Hamilton Thomas is the Project Coordinator for the 3D Weather Visualization and Analyzation STEM grant and instructor for the Instructional Systems and Workforce Development department at Mississippi State University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Instructional Technology from Mississippi State University. Her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were both in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on K-8 integration of technology into Reading curriculum. Dr. Thomas’ research has focused primarily on online learning methodologies and delivery systems. In addition, she is licensed and has been a K-8 Language Arts/Social Studies teacher in the state of Mississippi. In addition, she has completed teacher trainings for Mississippi school teachers across the state to best use technology as a tool for innovative learning techniques.
Ms. Jolie Kavanagh is a Graduate Research Assistant for the Geoscience Department at Mississippi State University. She received her Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in May 2020 and is now working with Dr. Jamie Dyer for her graduate degree in Atmospheric Science and Climatology. Using her degree in Professional/Broadcast Meteorology, she helps create material for the meteorological education purposes on the grant. Ms. Kavanagh has interest in Hydrometeorology and renewable energy. She is particularly interested in learning how cloud climatology and cloud characteristics play a role in solar panel efficiency. Ms. Kavanagh has a background working with young students and teachers throughout her life and enjoys educating the public on Meteorology.

Mr. Chase Robinson is a student at Mississippi State University studying Electrical Engineering. Prior to joining the team, Chase received a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Mississippi State. While his core background is in cell and molecular biology, he is driven by a general love of science and engineering. Chase discovered his passion for STEM education as an undergraduate through the local elementary school, where he volunteered as a tutor. He is most interested in the development and implementation of technologies that improve the accessibility of STEM concepts and learning materials to students of underserved communities in our state.

Ms. Mariah Spiva is a graduate student at Mississippi State University (MSU) studying Master of Science in Instructional Technology with a concentration in Multimedia. Prior to joining the team, Mariah received a B.S. in Informational Technology with a minor in Business Administration from Mississippi State. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant on the 3D Weather Project at MSU with Dr. Yan Sun and Dr. Lisa Thomas for the Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development (ISWD). Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career, Mariah developed skills and valuable experience working in network adminstration, computer and hardware troubleshooting, web development, and graphic design.

Mr. Jeremiah Nuatomue is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development at Mississippi State University, where he provides services as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant. He assists faculty with research projects and helps with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and delivers instruction for undergraduate students. He currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant on the NSF STEM+C program 3D Weather project at MSU. He also served as President of the African Students Association at MSU from 2021-2022, a large student association on campus. Before that, he worked as an Agricultural Workforce Education and Development Intern at the Mississippi Small Farm Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State University. He earned his master’s degree in Education Leadership and Workforce Development at Alcorn State University. He completed his bachelor's in Sociology at Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia. Mr. Nuatomue is a great believer in education improvement, servant leadership and self-respect, and respect for others in the workplace.

Ms. Mackenzie O'Rourke was a Graduate Research Assistant for the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Science at Mississippi State University with a concentration in Professional Meteorology and Climatology. Mackenzie then proceeded to work under Dr. Jamie Dyer as a Graduate Research Assistant while working toward her Master of Science researching applications of meteorology in the aviation field. Mackenzie used her background in meteorology to create teaching modules for educators on the grant. Mackenzie is interested in taking her experience in education and meteorology with the grant to explore other avenues in STEM education and museum operations. She now works as a STEM educator at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, TN after graduating with her Master of Science in May of 2023.

Mr. Timothy Okunoye is a graduate student at Mississippi State University, specializing in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, as well as a diploma in Computer Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Timothy also completed a Certificate in Workforce Collaboration and Development through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a program launched by former US President Barack Obama to invest in the next generation of African leaders.As a certified member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Timothy brings valuable teaching experience from his time as a teacher with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development in Nigeria (Cohort 3). Prior to pursuing his graduate studies at Mississippi State University, he founded his own startup, 1hub.click, where he worked as a digital trainer and content creator. Timothy is passionate about Appropriate Technology, STEM curriculum development, workforce development, and Human Resource Analytics. Currently, he is working with Dr. Sun as a graduate research assistant in the field of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development.

Ms. Rose Moore was a Graduate Research Assistant for the Geoscience Department at Mississippi State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in professional meteorology from Mississippi State University in May 2021 and is now working with Dr. Jamie Dyer for her graduate degree in Professional Meteorology and Climatology. Using her degree in Professional Meteorology, she helped create material for the meteorological education purposes on the grant. Ms. Moore has interest in Aviation Meteorology and worked on research involving relating lightning and convective turbulence for her master’s thesis.

	Dr. Yan Sun (PI) is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at Mississippi State University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Learning, Design, & Technology from Purdue University and completed her post-doctoral research work at Texas A&M University. Dr. Sun’s research and teaching revolve around the area where STEM education intersects with technology. She is particularly interested in examining how emerging technology can be integrated to improve STEM education and to enhance students’ interest and motivation in learning STEM and pursuing STEM careers. Dr. Sun has expertise in quantitative and mixed-methods research, and has been applying quantitative and mixed-methods methodologies in her research on innovative technology-integrated STEM education pedagogy, projects, and interventions.
	Dr. Jamie Dyer (co-PI) is a Professor of Meteorology and Climatology in the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. He received his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Georgia. Dr. Dyer’s primary research interests include numerical weather prediction, surface-atmosphere interactions, and hydrometeorology, and is currently working on studies utilizing advanced hydrological and meteorological models to study atmospheric responses to changing surface features (i.e., land use, vegetation, etc.). He is also using imagery and atmospheric observations from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for visualization and analysis of extreme and local-scale hydrological events. Dr. Dyer’s teaching interests include atmospheric dynamics, hydrometeorology, and aviation meteorology, which all involve a strong focus on data analysis and visualization using computational methods. As a result of the computational aspects of his teaching and research, Dr. Dyer’s motivation for this project is to advance students’ knowledge and understanding in scientific applications using computational thinking and resources to better prepare them for a data-rich and high-technology world.
	Mr. Jonathan Harris is a marine geophysicist and Director of Education & Outreach for the Northern Gulf Institute. Harris is a Mississippi licensed STEAM educator who creates and implements marine, earth, atmospheric, and environmental science related curriculum for students, educators and the public throughout the region using NGI’s high performance computing capabilities, autonomous aircraft and surface vessels and other marine resources. Harris also provides marine operations and logistical support for the offshore research operations conducted by the NGI for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as for research conducted by and for the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act, and the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence (MBRACE). As a graduate of Mississippi State University and a former member of the faculty of the Department of Geoscience, Harris has been associated with MSU for over 30 years with extensive experience overseas and offshore in both energy and environmental industry.
	Dr. Mahnas Jean Mohammadi-Aragh (Co-PI) is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering at Mississippi State University. Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh believes that learning is fun and that we should leverage computing to improve learning. These two principles motivate her dedication to improving the ways in which we teach students to engineer. Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Engineering at Mississippi State and then spent several years creating scientific visualizations and virtual reality applications. Six years later she was happily designing what she calls “video games for scientists” when she was asked to guest lecture for a first-year engineering course. The experience was life-changing: Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh quit her job and went back to school! Earning a Ph.D. in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech enabled her to career-shift from helping scientists learn to helping students learn. These days, Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh continues to learn through all of her fun research projects with topics including writing to support learning to program, the pedagogical uses of computers and virtual reality systems, and fundamental concerns related to engineering pathways. Past “pathways” projects have examined how community, identity, messaging, and diversity impact the recruitment and retention of engineers. In the classroom, Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh strives to create engaging opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. She currently teaches first-year electrical and computer engineering design courses, and graduate courses focused on visualizing scientific data and engineering education. Dr. Mohammadi-Aragh views computational thinking as a requisite skill for future engineers, and is thrilled to be examining fun ways to combine learning and visualization to support the success of future engineers and scientists.
	Dr. Pat Ko (Co-PI) is a post-doctoral associate at Mississippi State University and is collecting and analyzing data for the 3D Weather Analysis and Visualization project. He received a PhD in STEM Education from the College of Education at the University of Texas in Austin, and also holds Master’s degrees in computer science, electrical engineering and secondary education. In addition, he has worked as a computer chip logic designer, and taught in public high schools and universities. His research interests include developing computational thinking skills, as well as computer science and engineering education. Previous work includes mixed-methods research on high school robotics classes and quantitative and qualitative studies of high school engineering classes.
	Dr. Lisa Hamilton Thomas is the Project Coordinator for the 3D Weather Visualization and Analyzation STEM grant and instructor for the Instructional Systems and Workforce Development department at Mississippi State University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Instructional Technology from Mississippi State University. Her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were both in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on K-8 integration of technology into Reading curriculum. Dr. Thomas’ research has focused primarily on online learning methodologies and delivery systems. In addition, she is licensed and has been a K-8 Language Arts/Social Studies teacher in the state of Mississippi. In addition, she has completed teacher trainings for Mississippi school teachers across the state to best use technology as a tool for innovative learning techniques.
	Ms. Jolie Kavanagh is a Graduate Research Assistant for the Geoscience Department at Mississippi State University. She received her Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in May 2020 and is now working with Dr. Jamie Dyer for her graduate degree in Atmospheric Science and Climatology. Using her degree in Professional/Broadcast Meteorology, she helps create material for the meteorological education purposes on the grant. Ms. Kavanagh has interest in Hydrometeorology and renewable energy. She is particularly interested in learning how cloud climatology and cloud characteristics play a role in solar panel efficiency. Ms. Kavanagh has a background working with young students and teachers throughout her life and enjoys educating the public on Meteorology.
	Mr. Chase Robinson is a student at Mississippi State University studying Electrical Engineering. Prior to joining the team, Chase received a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Mississippi State. While his core background is in cell and molecular biology, he is driven by a general love of science and engineering. Chase discovered his passion for STEM education as an undergraduate through the local elementary school, where he volunteered as a tutor. He is most interested in the development and implementation of technologies that improve the accessibility of STEM concepts and learning materials to students of underserved communities in our state.
	Ms. Mariah Spiva is a graduate student at Mississippi State University (MSU) studying Master of Science in Instructional Technology with a concentration in Multimedia. Prior to joining the team, Mariah received a B.S. in Informational Technology with a minor in Business Administration from Mississippi State. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant on the 3D Weather Project at MSU with Dr. Yan Sun and Dr. Lisa Thomas for the Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development (ISWD). Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career, Mariah developed skills and valuable experience working in network adminstration, computer and hardware troubleshooting, web development, and graphic design.
	Mr. Jeremiah Nuatomue is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development at Mississippi State University, where he provides services as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant. He assists faculty with research projects and helps with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and delivers instruction for undergraduate students. He currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant on the NSF STEM+C program 3D Weather project at MSU. He also served as President of the African Students Association at MSU from 2021-2022, a large student association on campus. Before that, he worked as an Agricultural Workforce Education and Development Intern at the Mississippi Small Farm Agribusiness Center at Alcorn State University. He earned his master’s degree in Education Leadership and Workforce Development at Alcorn State University. He completed his bachelor's in Sociology at Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia. Mr. Nuatomue is a great believer in education improvement, servant leadership and self-respect, and respect for others in the workplace.
	Ms. Mackenzie O'Rourke was a Graduate Research Assistant for the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Science at Mississippi State University with a concentration in Professional Meteorology and Climatology. Mackenzie then proceeded to work under Dr. Jamie Dyer as a Graduate Research Assistant while working toward her Master of Science researching applications of meteorology in the aviation field. Mackenzie used her background in meteorology to create teaching modules for educators on the grant. Mackenzie is interested in taking her experience in education and meteorology with the grant to explore other avenues in STEM education and museum operations. She now works as a STEM educator at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, TN after graduating with her Master of Science in May of 2023.
	Mr. Timothy Okunoye is a graduate student at Mississippi State University, specializing in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, as well as a diploma in Computer Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Timothy also completed a Certificate in Workforce Collaboration and Development through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a program launched by former US President Barack Obama to invest in the next generation of African leaders.As a certified member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Timothy brings valuable teaching experience from his time as a teacher with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development in Nigeria (Cohort 3). Prior to pursuing his graduate studies at Mississippi State University, he founded his own startup, 1hub.click, where he worked as a digital trainer and content creator. Timothy is passionate about Appropriate Technology, STEM curriculum development, workforce development, and Human Resource Analytics. Currently, he is working with Dr. Sun as a graduate research assistant in the field of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development.
	Ms. Rose Moore was a Graduate Research Assistant for the Geoscience Department at Mississippi State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in professional meteorology from Mississippi State University in May 2021 and is now working with Dr. Jamie Dyer for her graduate degree in Professional Meteorology and Climatology. Using her degree in Professional Meteorology, she helped create material for the meteorological education purposes on the grant. Ms. Moore has interest in Aviation Meteorology and worked on research involving relating lightning and convective turbulence for her master’s thesis.