The 2024 Verner E. Suomi Scholarship
Each year, exceptional high school senior students planning to attend a University of Wisconsin System School and study the physical sciences are awarded the $3000 Verner E. Suomi Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements.
Suomi is widely known as the “father of satellite meteorology” for his transformational contributions to the field and is considered to be one of the most influential meteorologists of the 20th century. The scholarship honors his lifelong commitment to mentoring and teaching undergraduate students.
Owen McDougal
Owen McDougal’s passion for atmospheric science is rooted in his love of mathematics and desire to understand the mysteries of the cosmos. Having attended high school in his hometown of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, where he says his favorite class was physics because, “It felt like I was solving real-world problems,” he says, “I was learning how the world works and how to use that information to solve issues on a much greater scale.” Courses in physics and math influenced his decision to major in atmospheric science because, “I wanted to do what I loved and still make an impact through it.”
Owen chose to study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison because he likes how “the university sees the importance of research opportunities.” After completing his degree, Owen wants to “advance humanity’s understanding of the universe’s limits and capabilities” through research and education, hoping to “influence the next generation of scholars aiming to solve some of the greatest mysteries.”
The Verner E. Suomi Scholarship is offered each year by the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies.