Coming into Fall 2024 after a long research summer, let’s meet CliMAS undergraduate, farm boy and Roanoke, Illinois native, Charlie Remmers. Charlie just came back after being in an REU at Colorado State University where he worked on a specific project with CSU faculty. Plans for next summer include interning with the NOAA Hollings Program.

For a student who started out in the Astronomy department at UIUC, what drew him to change majors? “… I’ve been interested in weather for as long as I can remember. Once at the University, I was drawn to Professor Frame’s ATMS 100 course and the undergraduate advisor Jessie Choate.”  His focus is on understanding atmospheric dynamics and small-scale features/patterns like terrain influences and convective processes.

So what does he think the most important weather-related issue is right now? “…it’s (sic) associated with climate change. While we have a good understanding of what will happen to sea levels and biomes with climate change, we could improve our understanding of cloud/climate feedbacks and changes to tropical convection + large-scale ocean/atmosphere patterns.”

A fan of the ARC, photography, sports and dabbling in cooking, he’s also got something big on his “plate” this fall when he starts serving as the president of I-STORM for the school year. He’s also got a higher degree on his mind after finishing up his undergrad studies but beyond that, he does not have a long-term goal. He does, however, have a great mindset. “What is most important to me is ending up working on something I enjoy, which I don’t think will be too difficult in this field.”

The Department of CliMAS is happy to know Charlie enjoys being here as much as we enjoy having him around.