Wendi Flynn

Wendi Flynn is an Associate Professor of Meteorology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, part of the College of Natural and Health Sciences. She has been a faculty member since 2012, advancing from Assistant to Associate Professor in 2018. Her academic work bridges meteorological research and education innovation, with leadership roles in national professional societies.

Her research interests span three major areas:

• Mesoscale Meteorology: Focused on precipitation patterns in mountainous regions like the Western Ghats in India and western Mexico, using high-resolution modeling (WRF) and field observations.
• Land-Atmosphere Interaction: Investigating how terrain and soil moisture heterogeneity influence local precipitation.
• Atmospheric Science Education Research (ASER): Promoting metacognitive strategies, teaching atmospheric dynamics, and advancing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in meteorology.

Her recent publications (2019–2024) are predominantly in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, reflecting a strong trend toward education research, curriculum reform, and community building in atmospheric sciences. These works emphasize pedagogical innovation, assessment strategies, and modernizing undergraduate education to meet workforce demands.

Wendi Flynn holds leadership positions in the American Meteorological Society (AMS), including:

• Editor (Education), Bulletin of the AMS (2022–present)
• Chair, AMS Board on Higher Education (2022–present)
• Chair, Lorenz Teaching Excellence Award Committee (2021–2023)
• Member, Committee revising the AMS Bachelor’s Degree Statement (2021–2023)
• Co-Chair, ASER sessions at AMS Conferences (2021–2024)

She has advised students, including N. Deuschle, and leads the biennial storm chasing field course (ESCI 491), providing immersive, hands-on experience in severe weather observation. She has received no explicitly named scientific awards, but her editorial and leadership roles indicate significant professional recognition.

She is actively involved in workshops and curriculum development, including facilitation for the National Association for Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) and co-leading AMS short courses on education research. Her work strengthens both scientific understanding and pedagogical practice in atmospheric sciences.