ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4687-0438
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Major(s)
Geosciences
Document Type
Immediate Campus-Only Restricted Access
Abstract
The United States experiences more severe weather events than any other country in the world. From tornadoes to ice storms, those within the United States must be prepared for all sorts of extreme weather. While many Americans are familiar with these hazards, people outside the U.S. may not be attuned to them. The outcome of this study, therefore, seeks to explore severe weather risk perception among international students at Mississippi State University and to identify ways to improve severe weather communication.
This study seeks to explore a few key research questions— questions that focus on how accurately international students interpret watches versus warnings, how cultural backgrounds and prior experiences influence risk perception, and how access to transportation or shelters affects their ability to respond. Additionally, the study identifies the information sources students rely on, such as mobile apps and the Maroon Alert system.
To answer these research questions, a survey was disseminated (via Qualtrics) and primarily utilized a quantitative approach. By including mostly multiple-choice questions, along with some open-ended questions, we were able to better capture the experiences of international students. For data analysis, both Python and SPSS were used, with Python as the primary tool for visualizations (graphs and plots) and SPSS for statistical testing.
Undoubtedly, this project sheds light on a group of students who are often overlooked. No matter someone’s background, everyone deserves the chance to become better informed about local hazards and how to best respond to severe weather. With a focus on international students at Mississippi State University, this research not only fills a knowledge gap but also seeks to enhance safety, improve weather communication, and, most importantly, save lives.
Date Defended
4-21-2026
Funding Source
Shackouls Honors College Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Thesis Director
Dr. Michelle E. Saunders
Second Committee Member
Dr. Boniface Fosu
Third Committee Member
Dr. David Hoffman
Recommended Citation
Lentz, Matthew, "Severe Weather Risk Perception Among International Students at Mississippi State University" (2026). Honors Theses. 212.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/honorstheses/212
Rights Statement
"Severe Weather Risk Perception Among International Students at Mississippi State University", Copyright 2026 by Matthew W. Lentz. My thesis may be used for non-profit educational and research purposes. Note that in addition to my own works of authorship, this thesis may contain and provide citations to third-party content. If your use goes beyond fair use, you would need to contact those rights holders for additional licensing/permissions.
