FSU meteorology student wins Hollings Scholarship to support work in atmospheric and environmental science

A Florida State University Presidential Scholar has won a prestigious scholarship through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in recognition of his work studying the effect of fires on air quality. 

Matthew Azuara, a meteorology sophomore from Guilford, Conn., has been awarded the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship, which includes financial assistance plus a 10-week, full-time paid internship at a NOAA facility next summer.  

Azuara’s research at FSU has focused on the emissions from agricultural burning practices in the eastern United States. Burning crop residues at the end of the season can release particulate matter and greenhouse gases that can have adverse health effects on nearby communities and the environment. Azuara seeks to get a better look at potential differences from crop to crop.

“We’re trying to build the database of agricultural pilot fires and then break it down by crop type,” Azuara said. “Meteorology is always something I’ve been interested in since I was very, very young.”   

He began his research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where he worked under the mentorship of Christopher Holmes, an associate professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science.  

Azuara’s work with Holmes extends beyond UROP and centers on using new satellite-based instruments to measure greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions from fires. 

“Matthew’s selection as a NOAA Hollings Scholar recognizes his outstanding academic record and strong potential to impact the field of atmospheric and environmental science,” Holmes said. “Matthew has done excellent independent research over the last two years. He should be very proud of this research work and his many other accomplishments at FSU.” 

Through the Hollings internship opportunity next summer, Azuara will work closely with a research mentor and gain hands-on experience at an NOAA facility of his choosing. The scholarship also covers travel expenses for an orientation meeting and the annual Science & Education Symposium, where scholars present their research findings. 

“It’s going to be such a big steppingstone for me – a really big opportunity – because I’m going to be able to network with so many people,” Azuara said. “This is going to show me what’s possible.”  

 For more information about FSU Office of National Fellowships, visit onf.fsu.edu.  

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