Jacob Carstens

Biography

I arrived at UND in August 2024 after earning my B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Meteorology from Florida State University, then spending 2 years as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Penn State University. My current research focuses on tropical cyclones using a variety of observational and modeling tools, including their formation, intensification, structure, and behavior in the future climate. I'm also very interested in atmospheric science education research and the intersection of meteorology and social science.

I have been involved in broadcast meteorology since my early days at Florida State, finding its lessons in public speaking, graphic design, video production, and marketing valuable despite never formally pursuing a career in TV! As Faculty Advisor for UND Weather Update and instructor for ATSC 315 (Broadcast Meteorology), I enjoy working with students in the Aerospace Network Studio and supporting their journey to become more confident science communicators. I also teach courses in weather forecasting, numerical weather and climate modeling, and tropical meteorology, while coordinating our Department seminar series.

Additionally, I have been heavily involved in the American Meteorological Society (AMS). I am the current Chair of its Board for Early Career Professionals (BECP), and also serve on the Board on Continuing Professional Development (BCPD). In the past, I served as an AMS Local Chapter officer (2016-17 and 2019-20), a member of the AMS Student Conference Planning Committee (2021-2023), and oversaw the student presentation competition at the 2024 AMS Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology, alongside Dr. Alyssa Stansfield from the University of Utah. I consider myself the Department's de facto "AMS Wingman", and enjoy connecting students with professionals and opportunities across the weather, water, and climate community.