Student Research and Internships

undergraduate meteorology student participates in science policy colloquium

For Millersville University meteorology student Liam McGrath, the student of the atmosphere extends well beyond forecasting weather - it reaches all the way to the halls of Congrass. McGrath, an undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Meteorology with a strong interest in climate and science policy, was selected to participate in the American Meteorological Society’s 2026 Science Policy Colloquium (May 31-June 5, 2026) in Washington, D.C., an opportunity seldom experienced by an undergraduate. For more than two decades, the intensive program has brought together scientists and professionals from academia, government, and the private sector to explore how scientific knowledge becomes public policy, with participants engaging federal officials, congressional staff, policy experts, and leaders across the weather, water, and climate enterprise. For McGrath, pictured with fellow participants in front of the U.S. Capitol, the experience was transformative. 

Liam McGrath and other students in front of Capitol Hill.

"The colloquium shaped my career options and broadened my views. The experience was inspiring, and I plan to use what I have learned to help advocate for science and shape the future of weather and climate policy." His participation exemplifies what distinguishes Millersville's nationally recognized Meteorology program: an education that reaches beyond traditional atmospheric science and encourages students to understand how science intersects with society, public decision-making, climate policy, and emerging areas such as space weather. McGrath was the only undergraduate student participant at this selective Policy Colloquium, and his experience was made possible by Dr. Sepi Yalda working with the AMS Policy Director, Dr. Paul Higgins.

summer research experiences and internships for multiple meteorology majors

Six Millersville University Meteorology students participated in unique research opportunities during Summer 2026. These internships help prepare students for the workforce or graduate school by giving them hands-on experience prior to graduation. 

Summer 2026 student interns in group picture on the weather center's obs deck.

From left-to-right, pictured above are students Nicole Morris, Lauren Tushar, Emily Werley, Ciara Longo, Melanie Jones, and Tim August. Morris had the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the world of broadcast meteorology through 14-week internships at WGAL News 8 in Lancaster, PA, and WFMZ-TV 69 News in Allentown, PA. Tushar accepted an internship opportunity with the nonprofit company Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay as a Watershed Conservation Intern while also doing the partnered internship with the Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA). 

Werley completed an internship with the National Weather Service's Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center (MARFC) as part of being selected as an Ernest F. Hollings scholar in 2025, where she focused on evaluating the accuracy of river stage forecasts. Longo participated in the Unifying Innovations in Forecasting Capabilities Workshop in July 2026. The objective of the workshop was to strengthen the understanding of the collaborative efforts to improve the Unified Forecast System (UFS), accelerate meaningful contributions, and measure progress more effectively. Jones interned at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma, as a part of the William M. Lapenta NOAA Student Internship Program. Finally, August received an NSF REU through the University of Maryland-Baltimore county UMBC in collaboration with NASA Goddard.