MUNCIE, Ind. — When part of the workforce, it is not uncommon for employees to take leave from their jobs to focus on themselves and take a step away from the work environment.
However, Dave Call, a PHD holder and meteorology professor at Ball State University, used his time on sabbatical to create a book about his hobby in storm chasing as well as the science behind storms. This comes after writing his first book back in 2023, titled Superstorm 1950.
“Somebody, when I was writing that book, suggested maybe writing about some of my storm chasing experiences and I thought that was a pretty good idea,” said Call.
“People love weather and weather stories and more information on how storms work, so it sounded like something I would have the ability to do that not many other people could.”
The journey to writing his book on storm chasing did not come easily though. After battling a fight with cancer, Call cannot express how grateful he is to be back in class sharing the news of his upcoming book with his students and colleagues.
“When you lose your ability to walk, your ability to work, and then you get those things back,” said Call.
“The way you get them back is because you get such support from friends, colleagues, family and the students so I’m full of gratitude.”
As a professor at Ball State, it means the world to Call to see his students show up and learn more about his journey to writing his book.
“It was really fulfilling last semester to work on writing my book,” said Call.
“I missed the students and it’s been great to be back with them this semester and I guess they missed me since they came out to this talk and didn't get enough of me in class.”
Dace Call will continue to write his book on storm chasing throughout the upcoming summer.
Contact Wyatt Maher with any comments wyatt.maher@bsu.edu.
