The Atmospheric Science Peer Mentorship Program pairs upper-level undergraduate and graduate student mentors with undergraduate mentees. Mentors provide students with helpful guidance from their experiences. Careers, research, graduate school, internships, scholarships, even how to e-mail professors – you name it and our mentors can help!
The peer mentoring program also creates a safe, inclusive environment for all students to be their authentic selves. We encourage the use of preferred pronouns and inclusive language in mentorship meetings. The program also provides underrepresented minority and first-generation students with designated peers who can provide emotional support and guidance in navigating UWM. Becoming a mentors offers the opportunity to develop your leadership skills.
How Do I Sign Up?
Interested in joining the peer mentorship program? Students are welcome to sign up anytime. Mentors and mentees are paired based on their interests and background and can leave the program or request another mentor at any time. If you’d like to learn more about the program before signing up, please contact Dillon Blount, the current peer mentoring program coordinator.
2023-24 Mentor Bios
Dillon Blount
I am in my fifth year of the Atmospheric Science graduate program. I finished my MS in 2021 and am beginning the third year of my PhD this fall, both under the supervision of Dr. Clark Evans. My PhD research is focusing on line-end vortex, gravity wave, and environmental flow contributions associated with mesoscale convective systems. Along with my college career, I have participated in public policy activities, volunteered for the National Weather Service, and visited the Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Lab at NCAR on a visitor appointment. I am currently a co-chair of the 2024 American Meteorological Society’s Student Conference and representative on the School of Freshwater Sciences Faculty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. After completing my PhD, I would like to pursue a career in the realm of academia, research, or public policy. I really enjoy going to baseball games, being outdoors, hiking, and cooking!
Kathryn Boyle
Hi! I’m Kat. I am a first year masters student here. This is my first time living so far north and I’m excited to see some new seasons! I got my undergraduate degree in Atmospheric Science and Geography at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). I love reading, writing, and overall just being creative. I’ve done research on lake-effect snow as part of an REU and I did some consumer research as part of the NOAA-Hollings scholarship in DC last summer. I have a passion for math and science, but I also believe that they are not very useful without effective communication. Writing, both creative and scientific, is very important to me, as are other forms of communication, such as graphic design. In my free time I mostly play DnD or crochet. I also enjoy playing on my switch or watching the latest Star Wars show. I’m excited to meet you!
Skylar Gertonson
I am a first-year M.S. student in the Atmospheric Science program. I will be working with Dr. Paul Roebber on a thesis project involving modeling and climatology of severe weather with an operational application. I am also a current National Weather Service Pathways student with the Pleasant Hill/Kansas City Weather Forecast Office! After graduate school, I hope to work with the National Weather Service as a meteorologist and use my knowledge/skills to further our understanding of the atmospheric sciences! Some of my hobbies include outdoor hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Drew Hickok
I am a senior undergraduate student in the Atmospheric Science major. I’ve known from little on that my strongest passion was meteorology, whether that be from always watching Local on the 8s from the Weather Channel as a kid to now being an operational forecaster for Innovative Weather. Through my undergraduate studies, I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Clark Evans on research regarding overland tropical cyclone maintenance and intensification which has allowed me to attend conferences and give poster presentations on this research. As I wrap up my undergraduate degree this year I am looking toward going for my master’s degree with the hope of finding a career where I am able to combine research with the operational side of meteorology. Outside of the classroom and office you will find me playing guitar, going to concerts, finding new plant stores, supporting the Nashville Predators, Brewers, Bucks, taking storm photos in the spring and summer, and spending lots of time with family and friends.
Andrew Westgate
I am a fourth-year PhD student studying the absence of a global multi-decadal mode in climate models with Professor Sergey Kravtsov. I am also a member (and current Club President!) of The Climate Consensus, a group that strives to bridge the gap in climate change understanding between scientists and non-scientists. After graduation, I would love to become a professor at small undergraduate teaching institution and/or work for a data analytics company. In my free time, I enjoy biking, going to the gym, watching movies, and spending time with friends.