The Exec Board
Matthew Perry
President
Hey, my name is Matthew Perry! I’m a senior majoring in Atmospheric Sciences, and I’m from Bridgeview, IL. I am currently involved in two research projects: investigating how moisture from the Pacific Ocean contributes to snowfall in wintertime storms and exploring how droughts and heatwaves have evolved across the country in recent decades. Outside of my academic life, I enjoy reading, watching sports, and traveling whenever possible! I am excited to lead such a great organization and am looking forward to seeing you at our events!
Juliana Wittrock
Vice President
Hi! I’m Juliana, a vice president of ISTORM. I am a senior majoring in Atmospheric Sciences and am doing research with Joseph Trujillo-Falcón intersecting weather with emergency management. Outside of the Natural History Building, you can probably find me at the ARC working as an Aquatics Student Coordinator or the Main Library studying. I can’t wait to see you at the next ISTORM event!
Jonathan Gibson
Vice President
Hi, my name is Jonathan Gibson and I am one of your Vice Presidents for ISTORM. I was born and raised right here in Champaign, IL and am a senior majoring in Climate, Meteorology, and Atmospheric Sciences. I am currently doing research on supercells and QLCSs. Beyond school, you may see me out on a run around town, camped out in the NHB, or watching the Cubs. Feel free to chat anytime!
Adam Wittwer
Secretary
Hey, I’m Adam Wittwer! I’m from Crystal Lake, Illinois, and I’m a junior pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Atmospheric Sciences. Within the meteorology field, I’m primarily interested in severe storms and applications of AI in forecasting. Outside of ISTORM, you’ll probably catch me working on startups, at Illinois sports events, or just spending time with friends.
Olivia Samolej
Treasurer
Hi I’m Olivia Samolej! Currently, I am a senior studying Atmospheric Sciences and I am the treasurer of ISTORM. I’m from Naperville, IL and I am most interested in winter weather and dynamics. I’ve done research on ice sheets, winter storm microphysics, and climate dynamics. Outside of school, you can find me reading, playing spikeball or volleyball, or at an Illini sports event.
Brady Nickols
Social Media
Hello, I’m Brady Nickols! I’m a junior in the Atmospheric Sciences program, mostly interested in severe weather and weather communication. I’m involved with weather communications research and weather broadcasting here on campus. Outside of ISTORM, I’m usually playing guitar, going to concerts, taking photos, hiking, or spending time with friends! 🙂
Koji Lemke
Webmaster
Hey, my name is Koji Lemke. I am a sophomore majoring in Atmospheric Sciences. I’m most interested in Severe Weather, but I love to talk about anything Meteorology related. I am also interested in computer science, and its applications within the Meteorology Field. Outside of ISTORM, you can find me working on my Astrophotography, watching sports or spending time with friends.
Shea Richards
Lead Forecaster
Hello, I’m Shea! I’m a senior in the department of CliMAS researching wildfire risk and predictive variables. My main academic interests include fire science and synoptic systems, as well as the various climatological factors that impact fire severity. Outside of academics, I love discovering new music in all its forms: I’m building up a collection of both CDs and vinyl records. You may also find me on Photoshop or playing around with music production. Feel free to stop me and ask me about the weather — I hope to see you around!
Alex Zielinski
Lead Forecaster
Hey, I’m Alex, and I will be a lead forecaster in ISTORM for this upcoming year. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago. I am very interested in severe weather/winter weather in the field of meteorology, and am currently doing research on turbulence and precipitation. Outside of college and the club, I love anything outdoors, especially hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.