The Verner E. Suomi Scholarship — 2023 recipients committed to environmental action
Three high school seniors were awarded the 2023 Verner E. Suomi Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in recognition of their academic excellence as well as service, mentorship and extracurricular activities.
While each student aims to pursue a unique career path — from conducting field research to improving weather forecasting — all of them share a commitment to making our planet a better place to live.
Madeline Orstad
Environmental Science
UW–Madison
“… I have always been fascinated by the outdoors and how the world works. I want to [conduct] research to prove to larger, more polluting companies that operating sustainably is entirely worth the effort and investment. Furthermore, I would love to be involved in creating environmentally sound products and methods that [are] more accessible for all: companies and individuals alike.”
Preston Schenk
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
UW–Madison
“I am excited to continue my journey in my fascination of weather, from the study of miniscule mesoscale phenomena to large-scale atmospheric patterns, [by] studying at the premier institution for satellite meteorology, made possible by the innovation and ideas of Dr. Suomi … [and] to have the opportunity to work with the technologies and resources developed by him.”
Caden Schmear
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
UW–Madison
“I hope to not only become a meteorologist, but a scientific researcher as well, making connections and solving problems in my research … spotting trends, and drawing conclusions … I can use my research to benefit the general public, whether it be through helping to improve forecasting, pioneering a system to improve weather warning times, or whatever my future may bring. I will be one of the people helping to create and distribute the forecasts that the world relies on …”
The $3000 scholarship is offered each year by the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies.