Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Hillger Works to Convert U.S. to Metric
While America lags behind the world in transition to the metric system, one CSU faculty affiliate has taken the initiative to make the U.S. a metric country. Dr. Don Hillger, research meteorologist for CIRA, not only volunteers for the USMA, the U.S. Metric Association, but also created and serves as Webmaster for their website.
Founded in 1916, the USMA has been diligently working to advocate " U.S. conversion to the International System of Units" through a process known as metric transition or metrication. According to the USMA, as of the early 90's "the only other countries in the world that have not officially adopted the metric system are Liberia (in western Africa) and Myanmar (also known as Burma, in Southeast Asia)." It is the view of the USMA that the work of Dr. Hillger is a necessity, in this day and age, if America is going to operate and compete in what is now a metric world market.
In addition to his work with the USMA, Dr. Hillger stays active on campus serving as the faculty adviser, call sign WDØGCK, for the CSU Amateur Radio Club, WØQEY, where he entertains his passion for amateur (ham) radio operation. Dr. Hillger is also an avid philatelist, collecting topical postage, especially metric and related-standards, weather, un-manned satellite and amateur radio stamps.
As a research meteorologist, Dr. Hillger specializes in satellite imagery operating through CIRA, the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere. CIRA is directed by Dr. Thomas Vonderhaar, University Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science. For more information on CIRA visit their website at www.cira.colostate.edu. Additionally, information on the USMA can be found at www.metric.org.
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