The Hampton University Severe Weather Research Center (SWRC) is directed by Dr. Stephen Guimond from the Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. The overall theme of the SWRC is the intersection between basic and applied research, which are both essential elements of the overall scientific enterprise. Understanding the fundamental physics of extreme weather is required before robust advancements in applied problems can be made, especially in a new, warming climate state. In the United States, basic and applied research are typically split off into separate Government entities (namely NSF and NOAA, respectively) that can significantly slow down advancements in extreme weather prediction. The goal of this new Center is to merge theory and practice on this topic under one roof with the following focus areas:

(1) Basic research into boundary layers and turbulence using advanced remote sensing measurements and computational mathematics to understand the physics, dynamics and predictability of extreme weather.

(2) Applied research into the effects of new weather extremes (e.g., high winds, shear, enhanced rainfall and wildfires) on the built environment, especially in low-income areas that have aging infrastructure such as the Hampton Roads area and other coastal communities.