Louis W. Uccellini, Ph.D.
Photo credit: NOAA

“Go, Badgers!”

In just two words Dr. Louis Uccellini, the recently appointed Director of the National Weather Service (NWS), conveyed his longstanding connections and affection for his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a student in the 1970s, Uccellini was inspired by his mentors, especially professors Charles E. Anderson and Donald R. Johnson of the UW-Madison’s Department of Meteorology (known today as the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences). Later, collaborations with researchers at the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) gave him the opportunity to put theory into practice. Uccellini has since dedicated his life’s work to improving weather forecasts. Now as NWS Director, he sees new challenges and opportunities for the future of the discipline.

We interviewed Dr. Uccellini in February, just weeks after his appointment. He shared stories from his time at the UW-Madison, as well as his thoughts about the science of weather forecasting and just what it means to be a ‘weather-ready nation.”

Read the complete article and the full transcript of the interview.