Atmospheric science and geography double major awarded Hollings Scholarship

University of Georgia student Shania Green has been awarded the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Hollings Scholarship Program is designed to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric sciences. The scholarship provides two years of financial support, a 10-week, full-time paid summer internship to any NOAA facility nationwide, and support to participate in two national scientific conferences.

The Hollings Scholarship is named for Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings of South Carolina, a champion for ocean policy and conservation. Before retiring in 2005, Senator Hollings authored the Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act and the Oceans and Human Health Act and increased the national focus and priority of ocean and coastal conservation and research.

Green is a third-year atmospheric science and geography double major. Green’s interest in meteorology and climatology began when she took an earth science class in 6th grade, and grew when she took an introduction to weather and climate class during her first semester at UGA with John Knox, Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the geography department and undergraduate coordinator for the atmospheric sciences program.

“I wouldn’t have followed my interests, pursued this major, nor would I have known about the scholarship if it wasn’t for Dr. Knox,” said Green. “He is an amazing professor and advisor, and he goes above and beyond for his students!”

For her NOAA internship, Green hopes to intern with either the National Weather Service or the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. Her research interests lie in analyzing the potential impact severe weather and climate change on society and human health. 

“I am extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity. When I got the acceptance email in April, I was very shocked because I almost didn’t even apply for the scholarship,” said Green. “So far, I’ve met other Hollings scholars, who are amazing, and have already begun to experience new things like going to the NOAA Headquarters and visiting D.C. for the first time. Having the chance to learn from notable scientists and collaborate with them on a research project is truly incredible.”

Green is the treasurer for the American Meteorological Society at UGA and a member of the Student Health Advisory Committee at the University Health Center. She also is an ambassador for Experience UGA, a partnership that aims to bring every Clarke County student to UGA's campus for an annual field trip and opportunity to experience learning on a college campus, explore college options and interact with UGA students.

"Shania is a great student and great ambassador for our atmospheric sciences program, our department of geography, and UGA as a whole,” said Knox. “We've now had 6 Hollings Scholars in the past 3 years from our program. This is one of many national measures of the high quality of UGA, its students, and our program."

The Hollings undergraduate scholars will complete their all-expenses-paid internships during the summer of 2024.

Image: Shania Green (submitted photo)