One of the primary reasons Penn State is recognized around the globe as a distinguished university is the sterling caliber of its faculty. As a World Campus student, you will have the opportunity to learn from the same instructors who teach traditional, face-to-face classes on Penn State's 24 campuses throughout Pennsylvania.
David Babb, Ph.D.
Dr. Babb received his bachelor of science in meteorology from the University of Kansas; during that time he worked summers at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma. In 1996 he received his doctorate from Penn State, studying cloud-drop sizes with the use of millimeter-wave radar. Although he has experience in both academia and private industry, Dr. Babb prefers the challenges and rewards of teaching. Currently he teaches both meteorology and calculus, and specializes in instructional media design and assessment. In 2003 Dr. Babb received the Mitchell Award for Innovative Teaching in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Growing up in a family of avid sailors, Dr. Babb has always felt that the weather was more than just a conversation starter, and he enjoys sharing this passion with his students.
Steve Seman
Mr. Seman is an instructor and forecaster in the Department of Meteorology at Penn State. He earned a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Penn State in 2003. During his senior year, he served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the department's first online course, and he helped to define the responsibilities of his position throughout the year. Since becoming a full-time instructor, Mr. Seman has been able to apply his background in operational forecasting in the online classroom. Since 2003 he has appeared as an on-air meteorologist for Weather World on public television and the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN), and has forecasted for the New York Times weather page. He was the recipient of both the John A. Dutton Award in Atmospheric Dynamics and the Special Award for Teaching Support in Meteorology in 2003.