image: Dr. Steven Cavallo is the recipient of the ONR "Young Investigator" award for his commitment to the study of vortex dynamics. view more
Credit: University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Professor Steven Cavallo is the recipient of the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program award for his commitment to the study of vortex dynamics. The prestigious prize is awarded to academic scientists in their first or second full-time academic appointment, and grants up to $170,000 annually in assistance for capital equipment, graduate student support or the salary of the investigator in the subsequent three years.
"We are indeed fortunate to have such an exceptional faculty member at the University of Oklahoma who richly deserves this recognition for his outstanding research," said OU President David L. Boren. "A strong research base is one of the greatest engines for future economic growth in our state."
Cavallo, assistant professor with the OU School of Meteorology, joined the meteorology faculty in 2011 from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. In addition to his duties as a meteorology professor, he is an affiliate faculty for the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms and a fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, both located on the OU Research Campus in Norman, Oklahoma.
"What a great role model for our students," said Berrien Moore, dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and director of the Nation Weather Center. "We are so proud of Dr. Cavallo's success and awards. We know his research will lead to amazing things."
During his career, Cavallo has been published in 13 journals, an invited speaker in many countries around the world and demonstrated a unique commitment to the study of vortex dynamics. He began researching the subject as an undergraduate, then examined Arctic vortices in his graduate work. At the time, very little was known on the topic, and that motivated him to be the one who could start putting together a new scientific story.
"I'm proud of sticking with my passion to make positive contributions to atmospheric science, and especially in polar meteorology, despite much discouragement early on," he said.
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