Distinguished Lecture - Rebecca Keller
Rebecca Keller, '18 - Hurricane Hunter for NOAA
Few people can say their office is sometimes located in the eye of a hurricane - but aerospace engineer Rebecca Keller '18 is one of them.
In collaboration with the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, the Student Engineers' Council (SEC) is proud to host Rebecca Keller '18 as part of our celebration for Engineers' Week 2026.
As a member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters, Keller plays a critical role in gathering the real-time data forecasters need to understand, track, and predict powerful storms.
During missions, she releases specialized devices called dropwindsondes, which measure pressure, humidity, temperature, wind direction, and wind speed as they descend through the storm. The data is then processed by onboard meteorologists immediately and transmitted to the National Hurricane Center for crucial prediction updates.
On Wednesday, February 25, Keller will share an inside look at her experiences flying into hurricanes, followed by a live audience Q&A. She'll join us from the Haymarket Theater in Squires, speaking to both an in-person student audience and a virtual alumni audience.
RSVP - How to Attend?
Entry will be free for students on a first come, first serve basis. For Alumni, it is recommended you RSVP for the webinar using the form below to allow us to get an accurate headcount.
TL;DR
When: February 25th, 2026, 7-8:30pm
Where: Haymarket Theater (Students) or Virtually (Alumni)
Who's Invited: All Virginia Tech Students, Faculty, and Alumni
Tickets: Student RSVP (entry will be granted on a first come, first serve basis)
We will also be hosting a webinar for alumni to join in. Alumni RSVP