Casey Davenport

Casey Davenport is an associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, affiliated with the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS). Their research focuses on severe storm dynamics, mesoscale meteorology, and innovative STEM education techniques, particularly in atmospheric science.

• University: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• College: College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS)
• Department: Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences
• Email: Casey.Davenport@charlotte.edu

Davenport’s research integrates numerical modeling and observational analysis to study the evolution of supercell thunderstorms and mesoscale convective systems, with a special emphasis on their interactions with complex terrain like the Appalachian Mountains. They have also pioneered pedagogical research in meteorology education, developing tools like the Fundamentals in Meteorology Inventory and implementing active learning and worked examples in teaching.

Their recent publications highlight trends in understanding environmental heterogeneity’s impact on storm behavior, improving atmospheric dynamics instruction, and advancing spatial thinking in meteorology students. Collaborative projects span beginner to advanced courses, blending theory with real-world data for enhanced learning.

• Scientific Awards
  • AMS STAC Mesoscale Processes Awardee Keynote Talk (2023)

Davenport advises a mix of current master’s and Ph.D. students, including Eli Blackwelder, Lauren Burns, and Roger Riggin, while mentoring former advisees now in roles at NWS offices and research institutions. They hold a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) grant for spatial thinking research.