Austin Powell, an undergraduate student in the Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science at the College of Science and also an outstanding Honors College student at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of the University of Alabama System, discovered his passion for meteorology during the third grade. This fascination was sparked, particularly on April 27th, 2011, when tornadoes ravaged areas in Southern Middle Tennessee not far from his hometown in Cannon County. Now, he is focused on embarking on a career as a broadcast meteorologist.
Choosing UAH for its proximity, the Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science’s excellent reputation, and outstanding scholarship, Powell reflects fondly on his time at the university. Reflecting on his time at the university, he appreciates the solid foundation he has gained and the preparation he has received for his future in meteorology. He is set to graduate in December and has been accepted into Mississippi State for his Master of Science in Geoscience with a concentration in Broadcast Meteorology.
Meteorologists at WAAY 31: Left to right Grace Anello, Carson Meredith, Austin Powell, and Amber Kulick.
Powell interns at Huntsville’s WAAY 31 TV station, specializing in broadcast meteorology. His daily routine involves forecasting for the next ten days, creating slides for on-air presentations, and writing forecasts for the station's website. Some of the challenges he has faced involve translating complex scientific terms into language for broader public understanding. "I'm just used to hearing meteorological terms. The big jump right now is putting it from science terms into terms the audience can understand," he says.
Despite challenging physics, chemistry, and math courses, Powell found particular enjoyment in a radar meteorology class taught by Dr. Lawrence Carey, Chair of the Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science. This class deepened his understanding of radar data, its sources, and the underlying mathematics. Another class he valued was Operational Forecasting, which provides a hands-on approach, simulating real-world scenarios faced by meteorologists, furthering his practical skills.
Powell also acknowledges that the experience gained in classes like Synoptic Meteorology, where he had to give weather briefings, was pivotal in steering him toward broadcast meteorology. Speaking to the public about weather conditions drove him to consider a career in broadcasting.
Outside academics, Powell engages in extracurricular activities, including UPSTORM, a weather balloon launching club, and the American Meteorological Society (AMS). Additionally, he participates in the Students of Scripture club, combining social interaction, Bible studies, and the pursuit of a well-rounded life.
Taylor Kanost, meteorologists at WAAY 31 and Austin Powell.
Facing the challenges in an atmospheric science degree, he encourages fellow students to persevere. "I would say just keep pushing through and hang in there. You'll have some difficult classes, but if you want to do meteorology and learn more about the weather, stick with it, and don't give up," he says.
