GOOD NEWS: CofC cloud study, new United Way CEO, more

Staff reports  |  A new study by a College of Charleston professor could tell us more about the shape of water.

Larsen

Physics professor Mike Larsen is working on a project that has allowed him to measure the three-dimensional statistical structure of water drops in clouds, according to a press release. These cloud droplets grow by the diffusion of water vapor before collisional growth turns the tiny droplets into drizzle and rain.

Using an aircraft-mounted holographic cloud particle imaging device, Larsen and his collaborators were able to fly inside clouds to get real-time measurements of water droplet clustering. By using this method, they were able to record and analyze individual cloud droplet positions to determine the degree of cloud particle clustering. Previous research had to be conducted in laboratory settings.

“This is the first time that a fully three-dimensional statistical measurement of this clustering has been made for natural clouds,” says Larsen. “The results show evidence of cloud-particle clustering consistent with numerical simulations and laboratory experiments conducted under turbulence conditions significantly different from the natural atmosphere.”

This research has far-reaching implications for improving our understanding about how particles interact with turbulent motions and may have applications in areas as varied as planet formation, fuel spray in a combustion chamber and rain formation. The study was recently published as an editor’s suggested article in the journal Physical Review Letters.

In other Good News:

Tonney

New United Way CEO.  Chloe Knight Tonney has been selected as Trident United Way’s next president and CEO, the organization announced early this morning.  Current TUW head Chris Kerrigan’s retirement is slated for April. Tonney returns to the Tri-county area after spending 16 years with the CDC Foundation in Atlanta, where she most recently served as the chief innovation and strategy officer. She focused on catalyzing creative partnerships that advanced the mission of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tonney brings more than 30 years of overall nonprofit advancement, strategy and management experience with her to TUW.  Learn more.

Stepping down.  John C. Read, CEO of Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, will step down later this year, according to an announcement last week.  The organization, which works to improve education, will conduct a search for a new CEO. More.  “It has always been my view that a non-profit CEO – especially one first to hold the position – should be careful not to overstay his welcome,” Read said in a statement. “TCCC has found its place in the community and is here to stay. I intend to continue the work on behalf of education attainment in the tri-county region, just from some other perch.”

More airport kiosks.  The Charleston County Aviation Authority is increasing the number of small business kiosks in the terminal of Charleston International Airport.  Currently, three small businesses operate in kiosks. Two more are being added. If interested, click here to learn about the application process.  

Sluggish start.  Key state lawmakers are predicting a sluggish start to the new legislative session, which opens this week.  Read more from Statehouse Report.