Meteorology Major Participates in Science Policy Colloquium

For Millersville University student Liam McGrath, the study of the atmosphere extends well beyond forecasting weather - it reaches all the way to the halls of Congress.

McGrath, a meteorology major with a strong interest in climate and science policy, was selected to participate in the American Meteorological Society's 2026 Science Policy Colloquium (May 31-June 5, 2026) in Washington, D.C., an opportunity seldom experienced by an undergraduate, according to Dr. Sepi Yalda, professor of meteorology at Millersville.

For more than two decades, the intensive program has brought together scientists and professionals from academia, government and the private sector to explore how scientific knowledge becomes public policy, with participants engaging federal officials, congressional staff, policy experts and leaders across the weather, water and climate enterprise.

The experience was transformative, according to McGrath. "The colloquium shaped my career options and broadened my views," he says. "The experience was inspiring, and I plan to use what I have learned to help advocate for science and shape the future of weather and climate policy."

His participation exemplifies what distinguishes Millersville's nationally recognized meteorology program, according to Yalda. "Our program provides an education that reaches beyond traditional atmospheric science and encourages students to understand how science intersects with society, public decision-making, climate policy and emerging areas such as space weather."

McGrath was the only undergraduate student participant at this selective Policy Colloquium, and his experience was made possible by Yalda working with the AMS Policy Director, Dr. Paul Higgins. "Experiences such as the AMS Science Policy Colloquium give Millersville students something particularly valuable: the opportunity not simply to learn the science, but to envision themselves helping determine how that science serves society," says Yalda.