Tracking severe weather doesn’t always mean interrupting TV broadcast or riding alongside Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton searching for twisters.  To the contrary it may mean analyzing scores of data, maintaining knowledge of sophisticated communication equipment and being in communication to a geographical area to help save lives. 

Dr. Mark Seelbinder, associate professor of chemistry, knows what it means.  For the past nineteen years Seelbinder has brought that knowledge to the students of Avila and the Kansas City community.  He has taught chemistry and meteorology courses while consistently introducing new technology to help students stay on the cutting edge. He has presented to meteorology professors all over the world on the education of this science.

Not only have his technology pursuits covered science, but also world travel, and flight.  He has earned a pilot’s license and does military air show photography. 

Seelbinder also puts his technology to practical use for the community by serving as a member of the Jackson County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, and is a member of the SkyWarn team for the National Weather Service as a storm communicator.

Seelbinder earned his bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of Kansas.  He earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, having conducted research in laser spectroscopy.  He is an active member in the American Chemistry Society, National Association of Chemical Hygiene Officers, and Chemistry Teachers at Liberal Arts Colleges.