UAlbany Launches New Weather Communication Minor | The Locally Times
The new minor for atmospheric science majors will be supported by a planned broadcast media lab and partnerships with Capital Region meteorologists.
The University at Albany’s Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences launched a new minor in Weather and Climate Communication this semester, according to a February 17, 2026, university announcement. Currently, the program is available exclusively to students majoring in atmospheric and climate science. The announcement did not specify the curriculum, course requirements, or projected enrollment for the new minor. This offering complements the university’s existing undergraduate major in journalism, which the announcement notes equips students with skills in broadcast, digital, and print media. ## New Broadcast Lab to Support Minor To support students pursuing careers in broadcast meteorology, the university is preparing a new broadcast media lab at its ETEC facility. The announcement indicated the lab would launch soon but did not specify an opening date or the project's budget. Once operational, the lab will provide a space for students to create demonstration reels for job applications, produce social media content, and develop their on-camera communication skills. The facility is intended to provide practical, hands-on experience for students. ## Program Connects Students with Industry Professionals In early February 2026, the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences partnered with the university’s Journalism Program to host a roundtable discussion with broadcast meteorologists. The event connected current students with alumni and other professionals working in the Capital Region media market. Panelists included UAlbany alumni Reid Kisselback and Christina Talamo of WNYT, and Jordan Due, whose contract with WTEN recently concluded. The panel also featured two current UAlbany seniors, Allison Lancia and Ethan Wilkinson, who hold part-time meteorologist positions at WTEN and CBS 6, respectively. The university announcement credits visiting communication professor Jill Konopka, journalism program director Elaine Salisbury, and atmospheric sciences academic instructor Ross Lazear with supporting the event.