Who I Am and What I Do
I am a research meteorologist in the Laboratory for Atmospheres at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. As a member of the Laboratory's Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes Branch, I contribute to the Earth Science Directorate, Center, and Agency mission by serving as research scientist, mission–level scientist and resource to the broader science community.

As a research meteorologist using satellites, computer models, and other remote sensing capabilities, I conduct research into : (1) rainfall-producing systems in tropical and subtropical environments, (2) new methodologies to diagnose and derive latent heating in cloud systems, and (3) the effects of urbanization and sprawl on precipitation. Several of my research papers can be found in refereed literature on subjects ranging from advanced hurricane algorithms to precipitation morphology in storms to urban–induced rainfall. I have also presented findings at numerous science conferences and meetings in the fields of atmospheric science and meteorology.

In mission-level activities, I play a major role in new mission concepts and development, most recently by serving as a Deputy Project Scientist for Science Affairs for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM). I also served as Deputy Study Scientist for the New Millenium Proposal EO-3 mission, HORIZON. This mission was conceived to test and flight–validate required technology to provide high–resolution thermal imagery from geosynchronous orbit. In this role, I assisted in developing science goals and objectives, and attending critical mission planning meetings.

Additionally, I provide specific service to NASA/GSFC and to the larger community through participation on appropriate scientific, technical, or oversight committees, through educational outreach, and by providing technical reviews of proposals and journal articles. I have also represented the Agency in Earth Science policy discussions and presentations to the White House Offices of Science and Technology (OSTP) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Foreign Delegations, and other agencies. From time to time, I am even fortunate enough to appear on network television (i.e. CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, and CNBC), webcasts and radio as a Goddard expert in the field of mesoscale meteorology and satellite remote sensing of weather and climate phenomena.

Growing Up
At this point you know what I do, but who I am? I am originally from a small suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in a single–parent home of a mother who was a teacher and principal. My dad just happens to be a principal also. I have always been interested in science. In fact, I wanted to be an entomologist, a scientist who studies insects, until I was stung by a bee trying to trap it inside of a jar. After a near death experience, I found out that I was highly allergic to bee stings. You guessed it, a new career goal was sought. As a sixth grader at North Canton Elementary School (now Tippens Elementary), I won a major science fair in Georgia with a project entitled "Can a Sixth Grader Predict the Weather?" I made all of the weather instruments and developed a weather/climate model for my town. In fact, I have since co–authored a book with Dr. Fred Bortz entitled "Dr. Fred's Weather Watch." This book chronicles my science project days and teaches kids how to build their own weather station as well as utilize the internet for weather.

Career Journey
After graduating from Cherokee High School as its first African–American Valedictorian, I attended The Florida State University as a National Achievement Scholar and received a B.S. in meteorology. I received a fellowship from the American Meteorological Society to pursue a M.S. degree in physical meteorology.

After receiving my Masters degree, I started Metropolitan Weather Solvers, a consulting firm specializing in weather–related information for construction companies, law firms, etc. I also worked for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). But as I stated in my high school valedictory address, my ultimate goal was to work for NASA.

In 1993, I was hired as a NASA scientist doing mesoscale weather research. Even more incredibly, NASA financed my return to Florida State University to pursue a doctoral degree through a research and study fellowship (and I was on salary, too!). After completing my Ph.D., I became the first African–American to receive a doctoral degree in any discipline of meteorology from FSU, one of the oldest and highly–regarded meteorology departments in the country. This fact is particularly surprising and disturbing because we need more African–Americans pursuing non-traditional science fields.

Personal
Currently, I am married and have a daughter. We live in Georgia. In my spare time, I'm an avid sports fan and also enjoy fitness training. Some of my hobbies include collecting CDs approaching 2000), electronic audio/home theater, working out, tennis, basketball, and softball. I am also active in my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and serve as President of the DC Metro Area FSU Black Alumni Association.

Related to work, I am also active with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), in which I chaired its Board on Women and Minorities for three years, American Geophysical Union (AGU), National Technical Association (NTA), and the International Association for Urban Climate. Well, I suppose that is a fairly accurate snapshot of me.

Last Updated: July 11, 2007