Careers in Science
1.) What is your major field of expertise and how did you become interested in it? 2.) What suggestions do you have for students who wish to become involved in your field of study?
Hi Eddie, I'm an atmospheric scientist here at Colorado State University. I specialize in radar meteorology: using weather radar to identify different kinds of precipitataion in clouds (e.g., hail, snow, or rain), estimating rainfall, and wind flow patterns inside thunderstorms. I became interested in weather while I was in graduate school (studying to be a geologist!). I use to watch NOVA and other shows that talked about global climate change and I got really excited about it. I worked as a geologist for a few years before going back to school to study atmospheric science. I had to re-learn a lot of math and physics but it was worth it because I could now see how I was going to use those skills. When I first thought about going back to school, I envisioned doing something along the lines of paeoclimate work: tying my geology and atmospheric science skills together. I never dreamed I would end up in weather radar. However, my background as a geologist has served me well: I probably have a better appreciation of the hydrologic cycle than most people in my field and I can understand how the atmosphere and earth are coupled from a different perspective. To answer your second question, I would say that you could get involved by asking a lot of questions: go to your local NWS office and talk to some of the forecasters about what they do, where they went to school, etc. If your school has a program in meteorology, talk to some of the faculty and graduate students about what they do (people love to talk about themselves!). If your motivated, you can do it. Good luck! Rob