Profiles – Weather Blog

March 4, 2021March 1, 2021

Joanne Simpson: Trailblazer for Women in STEM

Throughout the course of my education and career, I have heard Joanne Simpson’s name and knew she was a very well respected and highly esteemed atmospheric scientist. In fact, the American Meteorological Society named an award after her for researchers who make outstanding contributions to advancing the understanding of the physics and dynamics of the tropical atmosphere. She has been described by those who knew her as “an animated speaker with sharp eyes and a crackling voice…the type of person who has simply been too busy to worry about growing old.” As I learned more about her, I found myself wishing for a time machine so that I could go back in time and talk with her!

February 18, 2021February 15, 2021

It’s about Community: Meteorologist Janice Huff

I was honored to have an opportunity recently to speak with Janice Huff, chief meteorologist for NBC4 New York. Janice graduated from Florida State University with her bachelor’s degree in meteorology, and from there entered a career in broadcast meteorology. She has been with NBC New York for more than 25 years, and was inducted as a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society in 2020.
While an impressive career and honors by peers and colleagues certainly sets Janice apart, what really drew me to her was her passion- passion for science, passion for her community, and passion for reaching the next generation of scientists.

February 4, 2021January 6, 2021

Archie Williams had Talent: A Story of Greatness

Black History Month began February 1, and we plan to celebrate by dedicating some of our blogs to learning about black Americans in weather. To kick the month off, we are talking about Archie Williams…and not the Archie Williams some of you might know from the televised talent show, “America’s Got Talent”….though Archie had a LOT of talent.

December 17, 2020November 3, 2020

Third Thursday Interview: Meteorologist and Author, Cyrena-Marie Arnold

This month concludes our Third Thursday blog series, and I am so excited to have had the chance to talk with Cyrena for this edition! I first interacted with Cyrena when I saw a tweet about her new children’s book, The Weather Story with Frances Fox. She was kind enough to send me a signed copy of her book, and once I got my hands on it, I knew I wanted to talk with her!

December 3, 2020November 3, 2020

Encouraging Girls in STEM: The Ella Project

If you follow us on Facebook, you might have noticed that we shared a post back in October about the Ella Project. I was so pleased to make the aquaintence of Anthony Onesto, co-founder and creator of the Ella Project, and honored to be profiled as one of their Stories of women who work in STEM fields. This organization is doing great things, and so I decided to use this week’s blog to tell you about it in more detail!

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020

Third Thursday Interview: Rick Shema, CCM

For this week’s Third Thursday interview, I am so excited for you to meet a colleague of mine, Rick Shema. I met Rick while we were both serving terms on the American Meteorological Society Board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists (BCCM). Rick owns Weatherguy.com, a company which specializes in marine meteorology. He provides forecasts and support services for marine applications, and also provides expert testimony for marine cases in litigation. His love of the water and Naval experience give him top notch credentials in his work. We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate together both on the BCCM and on a case or two over the years, and I always enjoy working with him. His passion, integrity, and enthusiasm for what he does comes through in every aspect of his work. I hope you enjoy getting to know Rick as much as I have!

October 15, 2020November 3, 2020

Third Thursday Interview: Broadcast Meteorologist, Robyn King

Robyn and I went to undergrad together at the University of South Alabama, and I have loved watching her career grow over the years. She offers great insight into the life of a broadcast meteorologist, as well as great advice!

October 1, 2020November 3, 2020

NOAA Profiles: National Hurricane Center/Central Pacific Hurricane Center

This week we continue our profiles on the various agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Since we are in the peak time of Atlantic Hurricane season right now, it seems like a great time to take a closer look at what the forecasters at the National Hurricane Center do, and some of the services they provide.

September 17, 2020November 3, 2020

Third Thursday Interview: Ross Lazear

This month, I am so excited to profile one of my friends, Ross Lazear, of the University at Albany. You will never meet a person who is more enthusiastic about his work than Ross, and that enthusiasm transfers right into the numerous students who he has taught over the years. I have had the great privilege of getting to know Ross both personally and professionally during his time at UAlbany, attending minor league baseball games, talking about weather at meetings and conferences, and most recently, taking some of his students as interns to learn about forensic meteorology. And with that introduction, I will let Ross tell you about himself in his own words!

August 20, 2020November 3, 2020

Karin Ardon-Dryer: an Inspiring, Successful, Motivating Scientist

A few months ago, I happened to stumble across this article , which discussed an ongoing study investigating mask effectiveness in the face of COVID-19. I’ve always valued interdisciplinary work, and the intersection of health and atmospheric science is one close to my heart since I also studied it while in graduate school. I decided to reach out to the atmospheric scientist on the panel of researchers, and I am so glad that I did! Dr. Karin Ardon-Dryer was an absolute delight to chat with, and I cannot wait to share her story with you all. She has a radiant personality that makes talking with her feel like talking to an old friend, and she truly cares about being a champion for women and minorities.