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Are you concerned about climate change and how it will impact you and future generations? Did you know that we can still avoid the worst impacts? At Northern Vermont University-Lyndon, we are training the next generation of scientists to address the climate crisis head-on.

The new climate change science program at NVU-Lyndon prepares students with a passion for environmental issues to become effective leaders and problem-solvers. This innovative program allows students to understand climate change in an interdisciplinary manner: you’ll develop a strong foundation in atmospheric and environmental sciences, including biology, chemistry, and geology, as well as the communication skills needed to become an effective advocate.

One of the first programs of its kind in the nation, our climate change science program offers small classes and a supportive faculty who will challenge you to grow as a scientist and leader in this critical field.

View Degree Requirements Related Degree Program: Atmospheric Sciences/Meteorology

STUDENT PROFILE: MAISON DEJESUS '22

Two months into his first year at NVU, Maison DeJesus ’22 was attending a professional conference at a Stowe resort, talking with meteorologists. As a climate change science major, the valuable networking opportunities he had at the American Meteorological Society conference potentially opened doors to internships for him.

Learn More About Maison

A CULTURE OF HANDS-ON LEARNING

As an NVU-Lyndon climate change student, you’ll enhance the knowledge you gain from your coursework with hands-on, real-world experience with internships, professional development opportunities, and more. You’ll learn the science behind climate change in classes like meteorology and physical climatology then learn to apply the science in real-world situations. You’ll be able to communicate the realities of climate change, massive storms, and political issues after taking classes in public speaking and presenting to groups around the region on climate change risk.

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to communicate the realities of climate change, its impacts on weather, ecological systems, and our food and water supply after taking classes in public speaking and presenting to groups around the region on climate change risk.

Four people stand in a road wearing rain gear, smiling at camera, with storm clouds in background.

Beyond the Classroom

Starting in year one, you’ll establish an understanding of important meteorology concepts and tools through our atmospheric sciences department. From there, you’ll have opportunities to embark on faculty-guided storm chasing trips, track weather changes in our weather center, and learn to communicate the science and risks to the public.

A large group of people wearing matching t shirts, outdoors, smiling, looking at camera.

Student Advocacy

You’ll have the option to join The Climate Consensus, a group of students and faculty dedicated to making an impact in our community. Most recently, students have produced videos for social media, presented at local meetings and schools on the impact of climate change, organized a local climate strike, and ran a half marathon in recognition of the growing global movement to increase awareness.

A group of students stand on an observation deck, a female student holds a weather balloon.

Facilites

Climate Change students at our gorgeous, hilltop NVU-Lyndon campus get hands-on training in our modern facilities. We have a weather deck with an excellent view for observing the weather and launching weather balloons. We also have dedicated computer lab and research space for atmospheric and climate change sciences students.

A female with red hair points to a screen showing a weather map.

High-Impact Internships

With alumni and professional connections across the world, our students always find invaluable internships to kick-start their careers. Recent internship locations include Southwest Airlines, National Severe Storms Laboratory, National Weather Service, AccuWeather, and the Vermont Institute of Applied Meteorology.

A female student wearing glasses, showing a poster board presentation at a conference.

Networking and Conferences

The student-led Northeasetern Storm Conference allows attendees to present new research in the field to fellow colleagues. Learn more about the conference on the Lyndon AMS and NWA chapter website. Climate Change students also attend the American Meteorological Society conference as a way to connect with climatologists from across the country.

A female teacher is pointing to a graph on a projection screen to a class.

Faculty Committed to Your Success

The faculty support and small classes help students excel. “There’s a lot of one-on-one with professors,” says Maison DeJesus ’22. “If you don’t understand something, you can meet with them, and they’ll explain it. The amount of help they offer is great.”

Our Faculty

Janel Hanrahan

Associate Professor, Chair

Janel.Hanrahan@NorthernVermont.edu

Assistant Professor

Aaron.Preston@NorthernVermont.edu

More...

Jason Kaiser

Data Systems Administrator

Jason.Kaiser@NorthernVermont.edu

Research Scientist

David.Siuta@NorthernVermont.edu

802.626.6238

Phone

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A student wearing a hat and glasses works in a lab.

“Everyone in the science department gets great internships. Even if it’s not a job you think you could see yourself doing, it gives you experience, builds your resume and lets you know if you like that type of work.”

– Alec Jones ’20

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