Educational Background:

• I received my Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Bachelor of Arts in French from Ohio University in 2017. I then pursued graduate school at Millersville University, earning a Master of Science in Emergency Management in 2020.

Describe the career path that led you to your current job with the National Weather Service.

• While in college, I was able to do a volunteership at our local NWS office in Charleston, West Virginia. While there, I was able to learn weather operations and duties as a meteorologist, as well as strengthen the relationship between the Ohio University meteorology program and the NWS office. The following summer, I was able to work with the North Dakota Water Commision’s Atmospheric Resource Board on a cloud seeding project, where I provided weather forecasts and monitored Doppler Radar for the project pilots. Since I was stationed primarily in Bismarck, I also volunteered at the local NWS office, learning more about NWS operations, as well as how to prepare and launch the weather balloon. 

  In graduate school, I was able to work at the Center for Disaster Research and Education on campus at Millersville University. While there, I learned more about the emergency management community by participating in research and outreach initiatives.

What do you do for the NWS?

• As a lead meteorologist, I work with forecasters to transmit the latest weather information to our communities across Southern California, whether through our various products and alerts or forecasts via the web and on social media. I am involved with many different outreach and education initiatives, where I enjoy deploying to emergency management agencies, tabling at community events, or teaching children and adults alike about the weather. As someone who has a passion for bringing people together, I also pride myself in my work with our office’s diversity team and culture initiatives. 

What was the most interesting, exciting, or impactful weather/water event you experienced while working for the NWS and why does it stand out?

• The Valentine’s Day storm in 2019 comes to mind during my time at the NWS San Diego office. A strong atmospheric river brought torrential rains, flooding, and debris flows across the area. I could not believe over 10 inches of rain fell in one day at Palomar Mountain out our office’s window! Debris flows with mud, rocks, and large tree limbs led to damage for mountain areas, including around the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Though impactful to our communities, it was a great experience to work at my office as I was able to do various media interviews and forecast updates to keep people informed and safe.

What made you decide to pursue a career with the NWS?

• While completing my volunteership at NWS Charleston, WV, a historic flood event unfolded across portions of West Virginia and Virginia on June 23, 2016. 8 to 10 inches of rain fell within a 12 hour period across portions of the hilly terrain, resulting in washed out roadways, destroyed homes, and even a tornado. The way the office environment went from routine to extremely busy due to severe weather fascinated me. Seeing how the office team was working together saving lives and providing the latest weather information for their surrounding communities made me realize I was in the right place.
  
  I was also tasked with answering the office phone lines, speaking to emergency responders and members of the public impacted directly by the flooding; this solidified my choice to join the NWS.

What do you like most about working for the NWS?

• The people and the talents they bring! We have a very unique and passionate group of individuals who work for this agency, and I always like seeing what perspectives and insight people can provide. Whether it’s those who are involved in research, communication, outreach, forecasting or leadership roles, it has been a true pleasure to see how our people have advanced the weather community, while also meeting some wonderful friends along the way! 

What advice do you have for someone interested in a career with the NWS?

• “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” Building your network and asking questions about shadowing and internship opportunities goes a long way. Do some research on the locations of our weather, water, and environmental offices around the country to find a location near you or other family/friends, as well as look into who we work with on a daily basis. Showing your interest and passions will also help you connect with those of us in the field. You never know if a quick email or chat on the phone could change your life!

What training or coursework would you recommend to someone interested in following your career path?

• Communication is the largest thing that stands out to me, so any courses on this would be worthwhile. Being able to have stellar presentation skills and science communication skills to all age levels are very important (especially if you can do this in more than one language!). Having prior internship or job experience and training with those we work with is also beneficial. This includes entities such as FEMA or a local emergency management office, police, fire, or marine/lifeguard training.