Mar 24
The Dairy Arts Center Boulder, CO
TicketsBrian M. Argrow
Glenn L. Murphy Distinguished Professor, Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder; Founding Director, Integrated Remote & In-Situ Sensing Program (IRISS)
Twisters— Into the Storm: The Real Science Behind “Twisters”
Program Description
Before the screening of Twisters (2024), Dr. Brian Argrow, University of Colorado Boulder professor and lead developer of the RAAVEN drone featured in the film, takes us inside the evolving world of storm chasing. From cutting-edge drone technology to the real risks and rewards of field research, Dr. Argrow will explore how scientists track severe weather today and how Hollywood’s portrayal stacks up against reality.
This event is part of the National Evening of Science on Screen. Learn more.
Film Synopsis
A retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and new technologies.
Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) gets lured back to the open plains by her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.
Photo credit: Universal Pictures
About the Speaker
Brian M. Argrow is Glenn L. Murphy Distinguished Professor of the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences and founding Director of the Integrated Remote & In-Situ Sensing Program (IRISS). His research includes design and deployment of small, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), airspace integration, and aerothermodynamics. He led the first UAS team to intercept supercell thunderstorms. Argrow served as associate dean for education, department chair, and is founding director (emeritus) of the Research and Engineering Center for Unmanned Vehicles (RECUV). He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a recent member of the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics and was awarded the 2026 AIAA Durand Lectureship for Public Service. He received the Department of the Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award for service on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and is a founding board member of the UAS Colorado non-profit business league.