Last Week:
Marty Wiseman

For Grady Dixon, an assistant professor in geosciences and meteorology, weather is quite literally his business. As an assistant professor in geosciences and meteorology, he helps students discover the intricacies of weather and coordinates the efforts of the North Mississippi Storm Intercept Team (NOMISSIT), a volunteer team of storm spotters made up of meteorology majors.

When not coaching future meteorologists, however, weather—or more specifically, severe weather—is his passion. Twice a year, he heads to the heartland of America to encounter, study and record nature's fury, the tornado.

"It really is more of an addiction or a passion," Dixon said. "Just like a person who loves to play golf every weekend, when spring rolls around, I start to get the itch and I am ready to head to the plains."

While often exciting and unpredictable, weather events like those depicted in "Twister" and other popular movies are rare, said Dixon.

"Safety is always the top priority. You can see a tornado quite well from a mile away and, believe me, that is close enough."

Next week … Jarred Reneau !