Pennsylvania

A Week With the Scientists at Penn State University

Program No. 14314RJ
Discover the science behind weather forecasting, searching for planets and how to detect black holes — captivating discussions and exciting excursions with Penn State experts.

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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
2
Campus Tour, Solar System, Naked Eye Astronomy
University Park/State College, PA
4
The Milky Way, The Big Bang Theory
University Park/State College, PA
6
Review, Program Concludes
University Park/State College, PA
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

The sky is not the limit on this learning adventure! Choose your week to study astronomy, meteorology, or physics alongside some of the nation’s leading scientists at Penn State University. Behind-the-scenes excursions and expert-led discussions allow for the exploration of weather patterns or asteroid impacts, while using the most cutting-edge technology the university has to offer. Discover how the universe was created and learn about detecting black holes and neutron star and visit a nuclear reactor with Penn State experts.
Activity Level
Easy Going
A trolley is available to transport participants from the hotel to the campus.

What You'll Learn

  • Choose the meteorology date and learn how to read radar, observational networks and understand numerical weather prediction with demonstrations from expert meteorologists.
  • Choose the astronomy date and learn from knowledgeable astronomers about Mars in 3-D and dark energy while searching for planets and life around other stars.
  • Choose the astronomy date and view astronomical objects through a variety of telescopes including one large research-grade telescope.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nolan Hines
Nolan Hines is a native Ohioan, born on a farm just south of Columbus. He attended Ohio State University intending to become a veterinarian, the became involved in singing and theatre activities. He spent eight years on the ships of Holland America Line as an entertainer, excursion assistant, and cruise director, then four years aboard The American Queen steamboat. Nolan now lives in Florida and since 2017 has enjoyed discovering the treasures of new places and helping participants to enjoy cultural highlights with Road programs.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jon Nese
Jon M. Nese View biography
Jon is associate head of undergraduate programs and a teaching professor in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State, where he teaches a variety of undergraduate courses. He was previously chief meteorologist at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and on-air storm analyst at The Weather Channel. He has co-authored two books: "The Philadelphia Area Weather Book," which received the 2005 Louis J. Battan Author’s Award from the American Meteorological Society, and a college-level introductory textbook, "A World of Weather: Fundamentals of Meteorology."
Profile Image of Nolan Hines
Nolan Hines View biography
Nolan Hines is a native Ohioan, born on a farm just south of Columbus. He attended Ohio State University intending to become a veterinarian, the became involved in singing and theatre activities. He spent eight years on the ships of Holland America Line as an entertainer, excursion assistant, and cruise director, then four years aboard The American Queen steamboat. Nolan now lives in Florida and since 2017 has enjoyed discovering the treasures of new places and helping participants to enjoy cultural highlights with Road programs.
Profile Image of Chris Palma
Chris Palma View biography
Chris Palma is the associate dean for undergraduate students in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State University. He earned a B.S. in astronomy and astrophysics from Penn State and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Virginia. For his research, he studies dwarf galaxies near the Milky Way as well as educational practices for introductory astronomy. He is actively involved in the training of K-12 science teachers.
Profile Image of Kevin Luhman
Kevin Luhman View biography
Kevin Luhman is a professor at Penn State University. He earned B.S. degrees in astronomy and physics from the University of Texas and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Arizona. For his research, he studies brown dwarfs and the birth of stars and planets.
Profile Image of Jane Charlton
Jane Charlton View biography
Jane Charlton graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1983 with a B.S. in chemistry and physics. She received her Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 1987. After postdoctoral positions at Cornell University and the University of Arizona, she came to Penn State in 1992. She is now a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, working on a variety of topics including galaxy evolution, interacting galaxies, and quasars. Charlton developed a science fiction story-based online course in Astronomy for Penn State undergraduates.
Profile Image of Bill Syrett
Bill Syrett View biography
Bill Syrett was born in Bristol, Connecticut and has been fascinated by "bad" weather since he was five years old. He received his B.S. and M.S. in meteorology and was then hired by Penn State as a research assistant. In 1995, he began his tenure as the manager of Penn State's University Park weather observatory, now the Joel N. Myers Weather Center. In that position, he oversees the daily recording of official cooperative weather observations for State College, Pennsylvania.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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