A Rhode Island native and transfer student, Arnone came to Flagler to pursue environmental studies with a minor in data science. “Going into college, I wanted to find a way to blend the environmental field with technology,” Arnone said. “I grew up around the ocean, and I am passionate about the coast and the environment.”
Outside the classroom, Arnone is also a member of the Flagler College Men’s Lacrosse Team, which he credits with helping him find community and balance. “Coach Duncan, Coach King, and my teammates have been really supportive,” Arnone said. “Being part of the team has made Flagler feel like home.”
Through the National Science Foundation’s summer research program, Arnone worked at UT Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences, where he studied the connection between soil moisture and hurricane tracks. His research focused on Hurricane Helene, analyzing soil data from Northern Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky to explore how soil moisture might influence storm paths.
“As our climate becomes more suitable for hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, these storms increase in strength, speed, and frequency,” Arnone said. “By investigating the correlation between soil moisture and hurricane track, and potentially proving that there is a connection, hurricane forecasting systems can be more accurate.”
Arnone’s findings revealed intriguing soil moisture patterns that may inform future storm prediction models. “What I found was that in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina, the soil moisture values were below the 10-year average, with Kentucky being significantly lower,” Arnone said.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Hassan Dashtian, a research professor at UT Austin, Arnone worked independently on his project while participating in a cohort of 20 students from across the country. “Dr. Dashtian was able to share the tools to complete the project without doing it for me,” Arnone said. “By allowing me to work independently on my research, I gained a greater understanding of the process and the tools.”
Arnone (center) with Mentor, Dr. Dashtian (right)
The program also included professional development opportunities and mini-courses in Python, Remote Sensing, and Data Visualization. “The condensed courses that I took directly benefited my research, specifically with Python and Data Visualization,” Arnone said.
Beyond technical skills, Arnone said the experience provided valuable insight into preparing for graduate school. “UT did a fantastic job helping us visualize and prioritize our future,” Arnone said. “We would routinely have distinguished guest speakers and career panels to get a glimpse into the field and learn from experts.”
Reflecting on his experience, Arnone said, “The research experience was valuable in ways I never expected. The most rewarding part was being part of a cohort of really interesting and motivated students from around the country.”
Arnone with research cohort (Arnone, back center)
He also credits his Flagler courses and professors for giving him a strong foundation. “The courses that I took before my research project gave me the foundation to succeed in my internship,” Arnone said. “I had the opportunity to work with R Studio, another coding language, which was valuable as an introduction to coding. My professors were also very helpful in writing recommendations for my applications.”
Looking ahead, Arnone hopes to continue developing his research skills and exploring opportunities that merge environmental science and data analysis. “After this opportunity, I know the steps I need to take to set myself up for success moving forward,” Arnone said.
