Student Spotlight: Florida State University students fly into storm with NOAA Hurricane Hunters

While their paths to the aircraft differed, both students said the experience reinforced their passion for meteorology and hurricane research.  

Barbero, an undergraduate meteorology major, received the invitation through a previous NOAA internship, during which he had flown on other missions.  

“Just being able to experience it again, and this time with the hurricane, especially such an impactful hurricane being near landfall, I of course said yes,” said Barbero. 

For Dao, a graduate meteorology student at FSU, the opportunity came unexpectedly when his adviser learned during class that a seat had become available.  

“It was a complete surprise,” Dao said. “Very few students ever have the opportunity to do it; nonetheless, during their graduate careers.” 

Before the flight, pilots, meteorologists and flight directors gathered to evaluate conditions, discuss research objectives and prepare equipment. As student observers, Barbero and Dao watched the preparations and learned how hurricane research missions operate. But even after the briefings, neither knew quite what to expect.  

Flying from Lakeland, Florida, the 30-minute flight included plenty of turbulence as they entered the southern eyewall of the storm. The students were part of a mission that flew in and out of the eye three separate times. 

“I thought we’d be upside down, frankly,” Dao said. “I was really preparing myself to be terrified.” 

Barbero had flown on previous NOAA missions and understood what to expect, but flying into a hurricane was a new experience. 

Neither student had operational responsibilities, but both spent the flight learning from researchers and crew members and documenting the experience through photos and videos. 

“My whole point was to absorb it all in and enjoy what’s happening outside,” Dao said.