Schedule of Speakers
| Time | Speaker |
|---|---|
| 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Ryan McGinnis |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Jim Reed |
| 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Tim Marshall |
| 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM | Adam Houston |
| 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Barb Mayes |
| 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM | Brian Smith |
To see the complete schedule of events, click here.
More Information
Theme: "Professional Storm Chasing for Research and Photography"
Our 11th Annual Symposium speakers are listed below. Click the tab for more information.
Adam Houston
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, UNL
Presentation
"The Use of An Unmanned Aircraft System To Collect Storm Data During VORTEX2”
Background
Adam Houston is an assistant Professor in the UNL Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences who specializes in severe weather research. Adam is the principal investigator for a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) project within the larger VORTEX2 2010 and 2011 field experiment. His research effort, using a drone to collect data within severe storms as well as video from inside storms has never been done before and has attracted world wide attention. In addition to his presentation, he will also bring a UAS for the public to see.
Tim Marshall
Engineer and meteorologist with Haag Engineering Company in Dallas, Texas
Presentation
"Inside VORTEX2"
Background
Tim Marshall is an engineer and meteorologist with Haag Engineering Company in Dallas, Texas where he surveys building damage in the wake of severe storms. His first "official" damage survey was the Grand Island, NE tornadoes in 1980. Tim has a B.S. in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University, an M.S. in Atmospheric Science from Texas Tech University, and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University.
Tim has written numerous articles and presented hundreds of lectures on storm effects on buildings. He has appeared on more than 50 television programs about tornadoes and including the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Weather Channel. Tim's hobby is chasing storms. In his 33 year storm chase career, Tim has seen more than 200 tornadoes and 20 hurricanes. He consulted with the movie TWISTER and was past editor of STORMTRACK MAGAZINE. In 2009 and 2010, Tim took part in the Vortex 2 project. His tasks included deploying instrumented pods in advance of tornadoes and being a lead forecaster. Tim will, through photographs, give the audience an inside look at Project Vortex.
Barb Mayes
National Weather Service, Omaha-Valley, NE
Presentation
"Nebraska Severe Weather, 2010 and Looking Ahead to 2011".
Background
Barbara Mayes is the “Climate Focal Point” at the Omaha/Valley National Weather Service Office. Barbara will review the severe weather events of Year 2010 and put them into climatological context. She will also look ahead to the Year 2011 severe weather season and evaluate the factors that will influence the upcoming severe weather season. Although Barbara will not be directly addressing theme of this year’s event, she will be an important bridge to the community storm safety workshop that follows her presentation.
Ryan McGinnis
Presentation
"Photo Documenting Severe Weather on the Plains During VORTEX2".
Background
Ryan McGinnis of “Big Storm Picture” formerly worked with the Lincoln Journal Star is now a freelance photographer based in Kearney, Nebraska, documenting severe weather on the Plains each spring. Averaging over 15,000 miles of storm chasing a year, Ryan is regarded by many to be one of the rising stars in the profession. Ryan had the opportunity to photo document the massive VORTEX2 research project both in 2010 and 2011 and through his photography he will give the public a close look at the daily VORTEX field operations.
Jim Reed
Professional Photographer: http://www.jimreedphoto.com/
Presentation
"The Future of Weather Photography".
Background
Storm chaser Jim Reed is an award-winning extreme-weather photographer who has dedicated 20 consecutive years to documenting America's changing climate for editorial and fine art clients that include National Geographic, The New York Times, and Corcoran Gallery of Art. A Nikon Pro shooter, Jim will share how he captures his images, offer tips on cameras and lenses, and discuss the future of weather photography. In 2009, Jim was invited to The White House to meet with Pete Souza, President Barak Obama's personal photographer, to discuss photography and storm chasing. Jim has appeared on numerous morning shows, news programs, and international TV. His critically acclaimed book “Storm Chaser: A Photographers Journey” will be featured and available for book signing at the event. Check out Jim's Nikon Podcast on iTunes! . Jim Reed will be taken on a media tour to several TV and radio stations the day before the event
Brian Smith
Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS, Omaha
Presentation
"What Not to Do During Severe Weather".
Background
Brian is the warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Omaha/Valley. Brian manages the warning preparedness, public outreach, spotter training program, severe weather, public forecast, and damage survey programs in the Omaha/Valley NWS office. He also fills in as a forecaster. Brian will review the significant storms that occurred in our area during 2010 as well as present a public version of his annual Spotter Training Workshop for Lancaster County. This Spotter Training Workshop is open to the public and everyone is invited to come and learn more about the nature of severe weather.
