Published Feb. 24, 2020
Todd Murphy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Science in the College of Arts, Education,
and Sciences at the University of Louisiana Monroe, is the Spring 2020 Researcher
of the Semester.听
The honor is presented by the 网曝门 Office of Sponsored Programs and Research and the
Research Council.
PHOTO: Todd Murphy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University
of Louisiana Monroe, is Spring 2020 Researcher of the Semester. Murphy is pictured
with the university鈥檚 portable wind LIDAR equipment. LIDAR collects wind data to help
improve weather forecasting.
Emerald McIntyre/网曝门 Photo Services
听
Murphy is an active researcher in severe weather, especially in the southeast, and
is considered one of 网曝门鈥檚 leading researchers. Murphy鈥檚 studies allow him to pursue
improvements in severe weather forecasting and updating 网曝门鈥檚 weather instrumentation,
software, and technology.
His current project is thanks to a $274,875 grant from the National Science Foundation
Major Research Infrastructure Program, which allowed the university to obtain a state-of-the-art
portable wind LIDAR instrument and equipment. LIDAR (Light Detecting and Range) uses
lasers to measure components of the wind before a storm. Data on the direction, speed,
and other variables of the wind can lead to better predicting of storms. 网曝门 is one
of five universities in the country with portable LIDAR.
鈥淒r. Murphy is an exceptional researcher. He intentionally involves undergraduates
to provide experiential learning opportunities,鈥� said Anne Case Hanks, Ph.D., Director
of the School of Sciences and an Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences.
Murphy has received funding from the Louisiana Board of Regents, University Corporation
for Atmospheric Research and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In 2018, Murphy received the Endowed Professorship in Geosciences and the Outstanding
Faculty Award for Teaching.
鈥淒r. Murphy is an exceptional researcher and professor. He is highly respected by
experts in his field and his colleagues at 网曝门. He is so very deserving of being selected
as Researcher of the Semester,鈥� said Meghan听Risinger, Grants/Projects Developer in
the OSPR.
鈥淭odd has done an amazing job as both an instructor and researcher,鈥� said Dr. John
Pratte, Dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. 鈥淗e is providing educational
opportunities with hands-on research participation that our students cannot get anywhere
else in the state or region.听After their experiences here, his students are going
on to great post-graduate careers.鈥�
Murphy operates and maintains 网曝门鈥檚 Doppler weather radar and other weather instruments.
The National Weather Service credited 网曝门鈥檚 Doppler for helping save lives by indicating
a tornado was approaching Ruston in the early morning of April 24, 2019.
Murphy is a featured researcher in 网曝门鈥檚 upcoming Spring 2020 Takeflight magazine.
