Alana Y. McCants
For my undergraduate study I graduated from Jackson State University and for the graduate study, I graduated from Mississippi State University.
I was born and raised in Mobile, AL. and every year we had major hurricanes. Because my family lived in a low lying area which always flooded during major storms, we always had to evacuate to higher ground. That was always exciting to me as a child, my barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch dolls (they evacuated with me). But I probably knew when I was 4 years old that I loved Science, because our city was affected by Hurricane Frederic that year. I remember being scared from the winds and rain, however I became a curious 4 year old and at the same time, and wanted to know more about what was going on.
I watched the Weather Channel from sun up to sundown when I was younger. Because of this, I began to understand more about weather and see it in real time. Back then the Weather Channel was the only network to showcase actually real time weather from across the nation.
When I was in Elementary School, my nickname was Hurricane Alana, also I gave daily temperature reports to my friends and family and they appreciated that greatly.
When I was in Junior High, I joined the Young Astronauts Club, we went on several field trips to the Space Center and also had monthly meetings which were very exciting. In High School, I joined SECME, which focuses on STEM education in schools. We always went on field trips with this club, and also participated in several activities with them. To this day, I still donate money to this organization because they shaped me into the person I am today.
I have worked for the NWS for 17 years
I am a Meteorologist
No, I started out as a Hydrologist
Forecasting the weather never gets old, it’s always something different occurring everyday.
 I feel there are so few women in STEM careers because some women are still hesitant about pursuing careers that are male dominated and with very little career advancement in some areas.
Become involved in as many science fairs and STEM related summer activities/camps as you can. It helps!
I participate in a STEM summer camp every year with my Sorority and I have also participated with NWS surrounding offices for other STEM related activities with the community
I love shopping, traveling and spending time with family!