Scientific Mentors
Dr. Jerald A. "Jerry" Brotzge
Director of NetRad Operations for CASA
Center for the Analysis and Prediction of Storms
Radar Meteorology
Dr. Jerry Brotzge earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in meteorology with a minor in math at St. Louis University in 1994. He then went on to earn his Master of Science (M.S.) in 1997 and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2000, both at the University of Oklahoma. His research focus as a student involved boundary-layer and land-surface instrumentation, climatology, and meteorological statistics. Right now, however, he’s working in the field of radar and storm-scale meteorology.
Jerry became interested in meteorology when he was a small child helping his uncle take weather observations at 6 AM. His uncle served as a Co-Op observer for many years. Jerry thought the instruments were cool, and really enjoyed maps, charts, and geography. Pretty soon he was taking his own observations, and plotting his own maps and charts, which he hung up in his room.
Jerry currently works for the Center for the Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS) as a Sr. Research Scientist and as the Director of NetRad Operations for CASA (Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere).
A typical day for Jerry varies. A major portion of his time is operating the CASA project radar test bed – meaning he coordinates the maintenance of four radars in Oklahoma. This translates to many hours on the phone and video, testing equipment, ordering hardware, and installing software. The remainder of his time is spent on various research projects within CAPS, including projects with the FAA and NOAA.
Jerry’s hobbies and interests include time with family, travel, college sports (go Sooners!), reading and gardening.
