By: Fallon Bourgeois
Photography: Danny Abriel

Physics student Rebekah Cavanagh attributes a summer research award with helping her define her future path

Rebekah Cavanagh came to Dal with a clearly defined plan: she would study community design and be ready to start a career following the four-year program. But when she took two elective courses—Climate Change and Understanding Weather — she began to have an inkling she should switch directions.

With the support and encouragement of family, friends and some professors, Rebekah switched to physics and atmospheric science… and she hasn’t looked back.

“I’ve always loved storms and have had a personal interest in them but was unsure how to turn that into an attainable career. As soon as I started my courses it clicked that this was the right fit. One of the things I love most about atmospheric science and meteorology is how applicable it is to everyday life.”

Now in her final year of her undergraduate degree, Rebekah says she continues to feel validated in her decision, and opportunities like receiving a Faye Sobey Undergraduate Research Award further affirm that.

This past summer, the award enabled Rebekah to work on a project on extratropical cyclones in winter, which have known (or predictable) track paths. She looked at how specific atmospheric conditions change storm tracks in different climate modes.

“My experience was a positive one. From the beginning, my supervisor [Eric Oliver] empowered me to take my research in the direction that interested me, and it led to a rewarding learning opportunity.”

While Dr. Oliver is a professor in the Department of Oceanography, Rebekah’s physics education is useful in determining why the paths go a certain way based on atmospheric pressure and horizontal and vertical temperature gradients.

And the best part is that Rebekah achieved the goal she set for herself when she began her summer research position.

“It was important for me to come out of this experience knowing whether or not I could see myself pursuing more research; I’ve definitely determined it’s the right fit for me,” she says.

“I love this field and the subject matter. It became clear to me that even despite some challenges I faced [when conducting research], I never stopped enjoying it. This experience has not only given me a clearer vision for my future, but I’ve also gained applicable skills and knowledge that I can apply in the classroom.”

Looking ahead, Rebekah plans to pursue graduate work. While she’s learned that plans don’t always work out as intended, she very much sees a place for herself in academia or becoming a meteorologist.

And when she ponders the impact of this award, she says it’s best expressed through her excitement for what the future holds. “It helped to shape the path I want to take, and what I learned will be extremely beneficial for my future in the field.”