Education
M.S. Atmospheric Science (Expected Spring 2010)
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Advisor: Dr. Steven Rutledge
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Research: Objective and statistical analysis of dual-polarization Doppler radar and lightning datasets with focus on both the performance of an objective framework and regional differences between storms in the High Plains, central Oklahoma, and northern Alabama
- Poster presentation of research at American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting 2009
- Plans to submit research work for refereed journal publication
- Field work: SoWMEX/TiMREX 2008 in Taiwan- time at S-Pol radar
- Outreach work: Severe thunderstorm and storm chasing presentation at Loveland High School, Loveland, CO (2008 and 2009)
B.S. summa cum laude Meteorology (May 2007)
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Minor: Mathematics
Advisor: Dr. Teresa Bals-Elsholz
- Overall GPA: 3.9/4.0, Major GPA: 4.0/4.0
- Worked with fellow students to organize the Fifth Annual Great Lakes Meteorology Conference
- Executive board positions in student AMS/NWA chapter and honor society
- Independent study project: Basics and Advantages of Dual-Polarization Doppler Radar
Experience
Associate Scientist II, Research Applications Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research
October 2009-present
- Surface Transportation
- Convective Weather
Teaching Assistant, Colorado State University
August-December 2008
- AT620: Thermodynamics and Cloud Physics
- Assisted professor in preparing lectures, graded assignments, assisted students with classwork and questions
- Gave lectures when professor was out of town
Southwest Monsoon Experiment/Terrain-influenced Monsoon Rainfall Experiment, Taiwan
May-June 2008
- Worked at S-Pol radar as a student radar scientist
- Participated in science meetings
- Processed sounding data
- Embraced the opportunity to learn about the planning and execution of field work and operating a research radar
Graduate Research Assistant, Colorado State University
August 2007-present
Research interests include:
- Polarimetric radar
- Lightning
- Statistical investigation of positive CG lightning
- Regional differences in lightning and thunderstorm structure
Lab Assistant, Valparaiso University
January-May 2006, January-May 2007
- MET103: Introduction to Meteorology
- Assisted in lab sessions, answered questions, and explained concepts for non-meteorology major students
- Graded labs and tests
Grader, Valparaiso Unversity
August-December 2006
- MET490: Radar Meteorology
- Graded assignments and tests
- Answered questions from students
Weather Center Supervisor and Tutor, Valparaiso University
August 2005-May 2007
- Supervised weather center so it could stay open after normal business hours
- Ensured map wall was up-to-date
- Checked phone and internet forecasts to see if they were up-to-date
- Tutored students in meteorology, physics, calculus, and differential equations
Student Volunteer, National Weather Service
June-August 2005, June-August 2006
Detroit Office, Grand Rapids Office
- Learned AWIPS software and daily routines of National Weather Service offices
- Assisted forecasters in routine forecast operations
- Assisted in monitoring the radar, identifying convective modes, and answering spotter calls during severe weather events
Convective Field Study, Valparaiso University
May 2005, May 2006, June 2007
Videographer (2005), Team Leader (2006), Driver (2007)
- Worked with others to develop severe weather forecasts each day
- Learned about severe weather through observation
- Assisted in making quick decisions while on the road
- Performed leadership and teamwork duties such as leading morning weather discussions and involvement in team decision-making processes