Educational Background:
- Master's Degree in Meteorology from Penn State University
- Bachelor's Degree in Zoology from University of Washington
- High School teaching certification in Maryland
Describe the career path that led you to your current job with the National Weather Service.
- The only career track by design was what I dreamed up long before going to college: I wanted to be a marine mammal research scientist! After teaching science for a number of years, I did some field work in Canada and worked in a couple of aquariums. Ultimately, I decided to enjoy my interest in animals in other ways and went with career list option number two: weather. I was living on Long Island after graduating from Penn State and a friend referred me to the NWS Eastern Region Director and off I went to ERH!
What do you do for the NWS?
- I oversee the training program in the NWS's Eastern Region, which means spending most of my time working with a really wide range of people, including the Science and Operations Officers (SOOs), Development and Operations Hydrologists (DOHs), Meteorologists-in-Charge (MICs), Hydrologists-in-Charge (HICs), forecasters, people in other Regional Headquarters, and even people outside the NWS.
What was the most interesting, exciting, or impactful weather/water event you experienced while working for the NWS and why does it stand out?
- Hurricane Sandy, hands down. It was tremendously exciting as a meteorologist but its enormous impact hit home, literally. Property was damaged and power was out for a week (that got old quickly). Downed trees and power lines were everywhere, ruling out any travel. I think what I will remember most was the wind. I've certainly experienced high winds before, but not for hours on end. The high sustained wind and gusts just seemed relentless. I don't want to experience that again.
What made you decide to pursue a career with the NWS?
- Like so many others, I grew up taking temperature measurements, looking at the weather maps, and hoping for severe thunderstorms and heavy snow. When circumstances led me to New York and I met the people here at Easter Region, it was an easy and exciting decision.
What do you like most about working for the NWS?
- The people. Absolutely. I grew up an Air Force kid, moved around a lot and met many, many people... but I have never met a more interesting range of bright, professional, and good-natured friends and colleagues. Where else can you indulge your love of science and research while immersed in such a people-oriented environment?
What advice do you have for someone interested in a career with the NWS?
- There are universal truths in considering any career, such as developing yourself as a person with a depth and breadth of academic and personal experience. It's not all about computers and maps here; the changes taking place are breathtaking. If you love the weather, the science, and people of all makes and models and want to be a part of it all, work for it: Ask yourself what you personally could bring to the weather service that is truly valuable and distinctive and be that person we need!
What training or coursework would you recommend to someone interested in following your career path?
- While I got here in a roundabout way, I still had to have an excellent science and math background. But also the years of wide-ranging experiences, interesting people, and places lived have all served to better prepare me for working in the unique organization that this is.
