Jason
Shafer
Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences
Phone: (802)-626-6225
E-Mail: jason.shafer@lyndonstate.edu
Education:
- B.S. Meteorology - Plymouth State College (2000)
- M.S. Meteorology - University of Utah (2002)
- Ph.D. Meteorology - University of Utah (2005)
Courses Taught:
Weather Data and Analysis, Analysis and Forecasting
I & II, TV Meteorology, Forecasting and Broadcasting
Practicum, Forecasting Applications, Introduction
to Unix, Survey of Meteorology II Lab, TV Weather
Graphics, Atmospheric Dynamics
Professional Interests and Activities:
Dr. Jason "Jay" Shafer continues to
be very excited to teach students how to visualize,
interpret, and ultimately forecast the weather!
His teaching approach engages students in learning. "I
like to actively challenge my students with thought-provoking
questions during class and force them to connect
what they see when they step outside to the bigger
picture. I think we need to make these connections
since modern meteorology increasingly relies on
future numerical model data and not enough on understanding
the past and present state of the atmosphere."
Jay's research interests include synoptic and mesoscale
meteorology with a focus on mountain meteorology since "most
of the interesting local weather and climate variations
are produced by the terrain". His dissertation developed
the first climatology of strong Intermountain West (Nevada,
Utah) cold fronts, and examined how the dry environment
and complex terrain affect where they occur and how they
develop. Under the right conditions, some of the strongest
cold fronts in the world occur over the Intermountain West.
Jay believes it's important for students to be involved
in extracurricular activities and the community. He has
been actively involved with student chapters of the American
Meteorological Society, having founded a chapter at the
University of Utah.
Jay is also very excited about his new house and looks
forward to continuing exploration of the nearby landscape.
He has also been known to play Ultimate Frisbee and sneak
away for a round of disc golf.
