AOSC Seminar by Dr. Ashton Robinson Cook, 10/10/2024

Dr. Ashton Robinson Cook of Little Rock, Arkansas was born with a passion for severe and extreme weather.  He learned first-hand of the perils of severe weather at a very young age; his family lived in a mobile home that was struck by damaging straight-line winds (possibly a tornado) at the age of 3.  This encounter fueled a passion that continues through his career along with a number of accomplishments - including becoming the first African-American male to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology.  Dr. Cook was also the first to complete his dissertation studying tornadoes.  His dissertation involved the role of El Nino/La Nina on U.S. tornado outbreaks and he was also featured in multiple media outlets and professional organizations (including the American Association of State Climatologists) for his efforts at extended-range weather prediction.  He enjoys storm chasing as a hobby as well as football and travel.