Speaker: KENNETH McCOOL (University of North Texas)

Title: Climate Change: Current Status, Atmospheric Statistical Methodology, and Related Career Opportunities.

Abstract: The seminar will begin with the American Meteorological Association's (AMS) position on how the "problem" of climate change can be projected in the future. Fundamental to this challenge is the use of probability and statistics in developing models of the climate system. As an example of recent advances in analytical methodology, reference will be made to a presentation by Dr. Robertas Gabrys at the first UNT Interdisciplinary Statistics Colloquium. Various career opportunities are possible for those individuals who establish a strong interdisciplinary foundation for scientific inquiry. In my own experience, becoming a Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) in private practice by the AMS began with a UNT math degree and experience in computer science. This was followed by entry into the USAF (Officer Training School), then on to Texas A&M for one year of meteorology courses for further preparation as a Weather Officer, before eventually becoming a CCM. Other related career opportunities will be mentioned as interest and time permits, based on my belief that meteorology, in particular, is both a mathematical and physical science. As a former television weathercaster (AMS Seal of Approval) and as an adjunct to the seminar, I will provide a handout on common misuses of statistics by broadcast meteorologists.