WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 27, 2026, the Howard University Beltsville Campus welcomed students participating in the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program for a day of atmospheric science exploration and hands-on learning.
Participants toured the Beltsville campus and learned about the history, research, and educational mission of the facility. During the visit, Dr. Belay Demoz, Professor of Physics at UMBC and former Howard University faculty member, shared stories about the campus, its longstanding contributions to atmospheric and environmental science, and the collaborative research conducted at the site.
The visit concluded with a weather balloon launch, providing students with an opportunity to observe how atmospheric measurements are collected and how upper-air observations support weather forecasting and scientific research.
The event showcased Howard University’s commitment to engaging the next generation of scientists through experiential learning and partnerships with undergraduate research programs.
