Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Makaylei Huggins Alexis Peshehonoff, Sophomore Liam John Kai Hong Nicholas Krasznavolgyi Caitlyn Gabrinowitz Gracie Forbes Bernard Muich Nicholas Fazzolari Harris Meyer Jakob Graudons Georgii Dubro Aditya Bhattacharya Augustine Balish Zachary Ort Stephen Syvertson Sajid Berhane
Lead Presenter's Name
Alexis Peshehonoff
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Aviation
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Daniel Burow
Abstract
Project G.L.E.N., formally known as “Refining Enhanced Fujita Wind Estimates via Unmanned Collection of In-Situ Tornadic Data Measurements,” is an ongoing initiative aimed at advancing tornado research through the development and deployment of an unmanned tornado probe. Through the Gale Level Environmental Navigator (G.L.E.N.) probe, a remote-controlled unit equipped with specialized meteorological sensors and innovative design features, we aim to collect real-time, onsite data from within tornadoes. This approach allows for direct measurement of internal atmospheric conditions such as wind speeds, pressure fluctuations, temperature, humidity, and other storm dynamics while removing human risk from tornado interception, significantly enhancing the safety of storm research. Additionally, while current tornado ratings rely heavily on post-storm damage surveys, which may not accurately reflect the full strength or behavior of a tornado, Project G.L.E.N. seeks to provide a more objective basis for tornado classification, bridging the gap between damage-based assessments and recorded metrics. The project’s initial phase focuses on localized data collection to validate sensor performance, refine instrumentation methods, and optimize probe design. Collected data from our final, revised design will be analyzed for statistically significant trends, providing the empirical foundation for potential enhancements to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Project G.L.E.N.
Project G.L.E.N., formally known as “Refining Enhanced Fujita Wind Estimates via Unmanned Collection of In-Situ Tornadic Data Measurements,” is an ongoing initiative aimed at advancing tornado research through the development and deployment of an unmanned tornado probe. Through the Gale Level Environmental Navigator (G.L.E.N.) probe, a remote-controlled unit equipped with specialized meteorological sensors and innovative design features, we aim to collect real-time, onsite data from within tornadoes. This approach allows for direct measurement of internal atmospheric conditions such as wind speeds, pressure fluctuations, temperature, humidity, and other storm dynamics while removing human risk from tornado interception, significantly enhancing the safety of storm research. Additionally, while current tornado ratings rely heavily on post-storm damage surveys, which may not accurately reflect the full strength or behavior of a tornado, Project G.L.E.N. seeks to provide a more objective basis for tornado classification, bridging the gap between damage-based assessments and recorded metrics. The project’s initial phase focuses on localized data collection to validate sensor performance, refine instrumentation methods, and optimize probe design. Collected data from our final, revised design will be analyzed for statistically significant trends, providing the empirical foundation for potential enhancements to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.