Craig McLean, assistant administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research office, left, and Kelvin Droegemeier applaud during a news conference at the National Weather Center in Norman in November 2011. [Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman Archives]

University of Oklahoma meteorologist Kelvin Droegemeier has been nominated to be President Donald Trump's top science adviser.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected by President Trump to serve the nation as director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and I look forward to the Senate confirmation process," the professor said in an email.

The White House announced the nomination of Droegemeier, who is also a vice president at the school, on Tuesday. The position requires Senate confirmation.

"Dr. Droegemeier is an incredibly capable researcher and a highly qualified scientist," said Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma City Republican. "He has served Oklahoma well at the University of Oklahoma, and I am confident that he will serve our nation well as the new director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy."