Improving Hurricane Forecasts
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)
More from Notre Dame Videos
- 7:232025 Commencement: Graduate School Commencement Address by Teresa LambeTeresa Lambe, who played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19 as a principal investigator in the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine program, delivered the keynote address during the Graduate School’s annual Commencement Ceremony on May 17 at the University of Notre Dame.She asked graduates to summon the spirit and tenacity implied in the nickname “Fighting Irish,” find a purpose in life and “keep your eyes on it.”
- 1:12:312025 Commencement: Preprofessional Studies Undergraduate CeremonyThe University of Notre Dame's Department of Preprofessional Studies in the College of Science hosts its 2025 undergraduate diploma ceremony on May 17, 2025.
- 49:552025 Commencement: Keough School of Global Affairs Undergraduate Diploma CeremonyThe Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame hosted its first ever undergraduate diploma ceremony recognizing 21 graduates in a May 17 diploma ceremony.Degree candidates can be found on page 66 of the Commencement program: https://go.nd.edu/2025CommencementProgram
- 2:11:412025 Commencement: Graduate School Ceremony548 students received master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Notre Dame Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2025.Degree candidates can be found beginning on page 10 of the Commencement program: https://go.nd.edu/2025CommencementProgram
- 1:02:322025 Commencement: Send-off CeremonyThe University of Notre Dame's Institute for Social Concerns hosted a Send-off Ceremony for all graduates who have committed to the common good on May 17, 2025.Learn more about the Institute for Social Concerns: https://socialconcerns.nd.edu/
- 6:582025 Commencement: Graduate School Charge and BenedictionNotre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., delivers a charge and benediction to Master's and Ph.D. graduates at the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2025.