Western Kentucky University partners with Climavision for student learning opportunities

Western Kentucky University has formed a partnership with Climavision, a climate tech firm based in Louisville, thanks to Kentucky State Climatologist Jerry Brotzge, a member of the WKU faculty, and his longstanding relationships with members of the Climavision team. The partnership between WKU and Climavision will provide students with archived weather and climate data to study, as well as other learning opportunities.

According to an article on Western Kentucky University’s website, Brotzge is quoted as saying of the partnership, "We think it’s critically important for students in Earth Sciences and Meteorology to be aware of the tools private industry is bringing to the table. This partnership will allow them to work directly with the data from some of those tools, so we’re grateful to Climavision for the experience.”

Brotzge is also the supervisor of Kentucky’s Mesonet program, which uses ground sensors to detect weather, so he is familiar with the type of weather technology Climavision utilizes.

Western Kentucky University's Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences Department includes more than 100 students who are studying environmental and atmospheric science, the largest program in the region, and these students will gain access to important and insightful data to assist them in their studies.

Climavision provides weather surveillance through AI-driven technology. The company has stores of archived weather data that it will make available to students for their use to study. In the future, the partnership may also allow for students to have access to Climavision’s live data feeds for the potential to study weather as it is happening.

Additionally, the partnership will give students insight into advanced atmospheric modeling, numerical weather prediction, and artificial intelligence applications in meteorology. Students will have opportunities for field trips to Climavision and to listen to lectures. The partnership can also evolve to include joint research opportunities and grant projects.

Chris Goode, the CEO of Climavision, said of the partnership, “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we equip the next generation of scientists with cutting-edge tools and real-world experience. This partnership is about more than classroom exposure to best-in-class technology - it’s a strategic investment in Kentucky’s future workforce and in building statewide capacity for innovation, resilience, and weather readiness.”

The partnership is set to begin with the Fall 2025 semester.

For more information about Western Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.