20 Years at the U

This week marks the 20th anniversary of my arrival in Salt Lake City to start as a professor of meteorology (we've since changed the name of the department from meteorology to atmospheric sciences).

To say I'm fortunate to be here is an understatement.  In 1995, the meteorology department at the U was quite small with only 7 faculty members.  They wished to expand in the area of mountain meteorology, but they also had a pressing need for someone who could teach synoptic meteorology and weather analysis and forecasting.  I finished my Ph.D. in spring 1995 and was about as raw and inexperienced as a young professor could be, but could fill both needs and was offered the job.  I was also fortunate to have Professors John Horel and Jan Paegle here as mentors as they were incredibly helpful in helping me navigate many of the challenges one faces as a new faculty member.

Over 20 years it has been my privilege to teach and advise countless undergraduate and graduate students.  I'd like to thank all my former students out there for making this job so satisfying and rewarding.  Special thanks for those students, like Neil below, who have broken trail for me.  With great physical exertion comes the clarity of mind needed for deep learning.