Training Tomorrow's Severe Storms Scientists: Experiential Learning through the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory's Internship Program
Former les scientifiques de demain spécialistes des orages violents : apprentissage par l'expérience grâce au programme de stages du Laboratoire canadien des orages violents
Miller, Connell S. ; Kopp, Gregory A. ; Sills, David M. L. ; Brimelow, Julian C. ; Jaffe, Aaron L. ; Hamilton, Jack R. ; Eng, Simon L.
Année de publication
2026
The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory Internship Program (CSSL-IP) offers an experiential learning experience designed to provide undergraduate students with both technical expertise and interdisciplinary awareness. The CSSL-IP hires approximately 20-25 interns every summer, who are selected based on academic merit, interpersonal skills, a demonstrated passion for severe storms science, and diversity in both personal and academic backgrounds. Interns are integrated directly with CSSL staff, faculty, and graduate student mentors on real-world projects such as the severe weather data analysis, forensic fieldwork, and community outreach. This approach fosters interdisciplinary thinking and encourages students to connect scientific knowledge with societal impact. Outcomes from the internship include numerous intern-led contributions to meteorological and engineering literature and strong postprogram placement in graduate studies and severe storms science careers. As a testament to its engaging and supportive environment, the CSSL-IP sees many interns choosing to continue for multiple summers, often taking on expanded roles in research and mentorship to newer interns. This paper presents an overview of the program's structure, including its competitive selection process, layered mentorship, and documented outcomes. By performing a post hoc analysis of the program's framework through comparing it to well-established pedagogical frameworks and other internship programs, we aim to contribute to discussions on effective severe storms education within the meteorological community. Significance Statement The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory Internship Program (CSSL-IP) turns theory into real-world learning. Each summer, it equips a diverse group of students with hands-on skills in storm investigation and data analysis. Interns help document tornado and hail impacts, create new data tools/techniques, and perform significant research. This supports the CSSL's goal of being a national hub for severe storms research. Many graduates continue in research roles, increasing the program's impact. This paper compares this internship model with well-established pedagogical frameworks and other internships to highlight where the CSSL-IP succeeds and where there is room for improvement.</div>
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