Extracurricular Activities:Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS)
What career or personal update would you like to give to your fellow Florida Tech Panthers alumni?
I got my Master's degree in rural sociology from Auburn University in August of 2024, where I did research on Alabama agricultural stakeholder perceptions of weather and climate and their influence on the use of climate smart technology. I was an NSF trainee in climate resilience during that time. I am currently a PhD student in Geography, Environmental Science, and Policy at the University of South Florida. Within this, I am working under a VORTEX project that is examining severe weather perceptions and how people make sheltering decisions due to severe weather in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Wisconsin. A survey was sent out to collect basic information and focus groups are organized, which allows the team to talk to households within the states about where they get weather information, what decisions they made during an event, etc. My specific research for my dissertation will examine severe weather perceptions and decision making in Florida. I believe this is full circle being able to do research in my home state again. Within this process, I am a meteorological consultant for the team. I examine weather forecasts and social media posts to determine when there may be severe weather within those five states. I provide detailed summaries based on models and forecasts written by the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center before an event, and a debriefing of what happened after the event. These analysis summaries are then utilized to make decisions on whether to pull the trigger to organize focus groups with households within the states.
How did your time at Florida Tech help get you to where you are today?
Florida Tech taught me efficient time management. I got my Master's in rural sociology at Auburn University, and I felt that I could efficiently balance my time and get everything done in a timely manner. In addition, Florida Tech taught me important leadership skills and how to efficiently work on a team. I was on the executive board of the Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society for three of my years and was president my final year. With this, I learned how to delegate tasks, communicate, and work as a team. These skills helped me during my Master's, as I was working on a diverse team that included an agricultural economist, rural sociologist, irrigation specialist, cover crop specialist, and nutrient management specialist. These skills are currently helping me today, as I am working on a team that has such varying backgrounds. My previous experience has made this daunting task much easier.
What is your favorite Florida Tech memory?
My favorite Florida Tech memory would have to be bowling with my AMS chapter. We would have bowling events once a year (besides the COVID time), where we would get together and have a night out bowling. Our two professors, Dr. Lazarus and Mr. Splitt, would also come along. I really had a blast during these times, being able to unwind, hang with friends, and not think about classwork. I also loved being able to hang out with my professors in a more laid back environment and get to know them more personally.
Was there a mentor or professor who had a big impact on you personally and/or professionally?
Dr. Lazarus really had an impact on me throughout my time. Dr. Lazarus taught me so much both professionally and personally. He taught really hard classes in a fun way that engaged us as students throughout the process. Dr. Lazarus cared so much about his students, being there for them even during personal struggles. He always had confidence in me and built me up, even if I had no confidence in myself. Dr. Lazarus taught me how to be a more confident scientist while also being a support system throughout the challenges of college. He really hated seeing students struggle and would do anything to help them. I still talk to Dr. Lazarus today, truly is an amazing professor and person.
Please share any advice you have for current Florida Tech students.
Do not procrastinate on your coursework! It will add up if you procrastinate. Give yourself grace. You are at a very hard school. This school is not like the public schools across the state, it will challenge you in more ways than one. Do not beat yourself up if you get one bad grade, you are meant to be at this school and are doing an amazing job. Have fun as well! Do the spontaneous trips, hang out with your friends, cherish all the time you have with your friends, it does not last forever. It will be the best four years of your life.
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