[R U X] Corner
................................................................................ Carmen and Brandon are graduate researchers in the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology. RUX investigates the usability and user experience of technology in our everyday world. This is a regular column that explores different technologies typically used by Embry-Riddle students. ................................................................................
Hurricane Hunters:
Spotlight on Human Performance and User Experience in Weather Research ARTICLE BY BRANDON DRESLIN AND CARMEN VAN OMMEN PHOTOS BY JAKE BARLOW (CBS) AND JOSH WADLER DESIGN BY JACOB RAINERSON / Senior Reporter
Dr. Josh Wadler joined ERAU in 2022. He currently does research on hurricanes, but is also interested in human performance during turbulence. Members of the RUX lab met with Dr. Wadler to learn more about his research and why human performance and usability is important when studying hurricanes. RUX: Can you tell us about what you research? Dr. Josh Wadler (JW): My research focuses broadly on hurricanes and things that affect hurricanes. We are looking at collecting data in the lowest layers of the atmosphere where there is energy transfer from the ocean, because that makes the storm as big and as strong as it gets. RUX: What was the purpose, what do you hope to find? JW: The data we collect from that region is important, because the models used to predict or depict the hurricane have to use an estimate of the energy transfer. If we don’t have enough measurements, those making the models would just have to guess and they wouldn’t know if the models were valid. Our goal is to improve the model of physics to improve future model forecasts.
We generally have three scientists on board doing different job duties. Some of these jobs include releasing a drone and coordinating with the drone companies. We also collect data from radars, profilers, instruments that measure the surface winds, and ocean instrumentation such as SailDrones. When on the plane, there is a lot of evaluation and decision making happening. The mission rarely goes to plan and you have to be flexible. Usually, the storm doesn’t behave exactly as you think it will. For example, in Ian, the eye was collapsing so we had to get out of there. It’s very helpful to have been on the mission so that you understand the context of the measurements or data you collect when you are at home analyzing later.
RUX: What does data collection look like? JW: Data collection is mostly done through field work. When there is a storm coming, we will make a plan and coordinate meeting up with research partners for a mission. It’s very important to spend a lot of time in meetings beforehand to make sure the companies and research partners understand the mission. When we meet up, we will take the NOAA P-3 Orion hurricane hunter, fly into the storm, and take a lot of measurements. Page 16
NOAA plane with stickers showing hurricanes flown in.