How do you improve hurricane forecasts? By studying one of the most powerful and destructive forces on Earth up close—where the ocean meets the atmosphere.In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, Professor David Richter explains how new drone technology is helping scientists better understand what happens inside a hurricane close to the ocean’s surface—and why this research is vital for improving forecasts. Richter also reflects on how his work connects to a deeper calling, and how he challenges students to see engineering as both a technical pursuit and a human vocation. --- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:32 Why hurricanes are difficult to forecast 03:13 How drones are advancing hurricane research 04:57 How aerial drones are deployed over hurricanes 07:00 How aerial drones capture hurricane data 09:04 Fluid Dynamics Professor David Richter shares how his faith guides his research 10:38 Engineering and the Human Vocation --- Show links: • Episode (https://fightingfor.nd.edu/podcast/) • Fighting to improve hurricane forecasts (https://go.nd.edu/fighting-to-improve-hurricane-forecasts) • Subscribe (https://go.nd.edu/nd-stories-podcast)

How do you improve hurricane forecasts? By studying one of the most powerful and destructive forces on Earth up close—where the ocean meets the atmosphere.In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, Professor David Richter explains how new drone technology is helping scientists better understand what happens inside a hurricane close to the ocean’s surface—and why this research is vital for improving forecasts. Richter also reflects on how his work connects to a deeper calling, and how he challenges students to see engineering as both a technical pursuit and a human vocation.--- Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:32 Why hurricanes are difficult to forecast03:13 How drones are advancing hurricane research04:57 How aerial drones are deployed over hurricanes07:00 How aerial drones capture hurricane data09:04 Fluid Dynamics Professor David Richter shares how his faith guides his research10:38 Engineering and the Human Vocation --- Show links: • Episode Page (https://fightingfor.nd.edu/podcast/) • Fighting to improve hurricane forecasts (https://go.nd.edu/fighting-to-improve-hurricane-forecasts) • Subscribe (https://go.nd.edu/nd-stories-podcast)

J. Matthew Ashley, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, modeled his "Contemplative Ecology" course after Pope Francis' 'Laudato 'Si' encyclical. He teaches it amidst the tranquil lake, rolling green mountains, and gothic architecture of Kylemore Abbey and Notre Dame's Kylemore Global Centre.See more about Notre Dame's relationship with Ireland: https://go.nd.edu/NDinIreland

In August 2025, a group of Notre Dame students and faculty joined representatives from other U.S. Catholic universities in Japan as part of a "Pilgrimage of Peace" to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In August, Notre Dame junior Matthew Scherber visited Japan on the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here he reflects on the experience.

In August, Notre Dame graduate student Paul Lee visited Japan on the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here he reflects on the experience.