At the University of North Carolina Asheville, undergraduate students aren't just studying weather — they're finding ways to better communicate and predict it.The Southern Appalachian Weather and Climate (SAWC) Workshop, hosted on UNC Asheville’s campus, brought together federal agencies, academic researchers, students, and broadcast meteorologists to share research and discuss weather and climate events. For students, the event offered a valuable opportunity to present their work, build professional networks, and gain real-world experience.The workshop featured keynote speaker Monica Youngman, Chief Scientist for NOAA’s National Weather Service. Youngman discussed the impacts of Hurricane Helene, noting that while forecasts were accurate, communication to communities fell short. She also emphasized the growing role of artificial intelligence in weather forecasting.“The Southern Appalachians Weather and Climate Workshop has always been an opportunity for Atmospheric Science students at UNC Asheville to present their research and to network with potential future employers,” said Doug Miller, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences. “It's a fantastic opportunity to gain important experience in making a technical presentation in front of an audience of forecasters and scientists.”