Improving Hurricane Forecasts with Drones and Data
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)
More from Notre Dame Videos
- 1:56Notre Dame in Ireland: Contemplative EcologyJ. 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
- 5:0480 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Notre Dame Student ReflectionsIn 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.
- 1:00Pilgrimage of Peace: Matthew Scherber ReflectionsIn 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.
- 1:00Pilgrimage of Peace: Paul Lee's ReflectionsIn 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.
- 0:54Pilgrimage of Peace: Maddie Colbert ReflectionsIn August, Notre Dame senior Maddie Colbert visited Japan on the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here she reflects on the experience.
- 2:01Fighting for Faster Virus DetectionNotre Dame researchers have developed an “electronic nose” that can sniff out bird flu before it spreads—helping farmers protect their flocks and livelihoods.Instead of slow, invasive lab tests, this new sensor detects airborne signs of disease in real time. Designed with farmers in mind, it comes in two easy formats: a barn-mounted monitor and a handheld device. Faster detection means fewer sick birds, safer food, and stronger farms.Learn more about Notre Dame research: https://go.nd.edu/fighting-for-faster-virus-detection