Biography
My research broadly explores the fundamental dynamics, predictability, and impacts of severe convection, utilizing a combination of cloud-resolving numerical models, model reanalysis, and fine-scale observations. Though varied in their motivating science questions and approach, the overarching goal of all our research group's endeavors is to improve our underlying conceptual model for the maintenance, rotation, and hazard production of severe storms, towards the goal of enhancing forecast lead time and increasing public safety. Current projects include the evolution and environmental controls for storm merger events, the reevaluation of the QLCS mesovortex forecast paradigm using models and observations, the impacts of free-tropospheric dryness and shear on tropical cyclone rainband supercell structure, and the intersection of radar-measured storm attributes with socioeconomic vulnerability and storm outcomes (i.e., damage, injuries/fatalities).
In addition to my research endeavors, I am commmitted to service in the broader meteorological community, primarily through American Meteorological Society (AMS). I currently serve as the Vice Chair for the AMS STAC Committee on Mesoscale Processes, and previously chaired the 21st Conference on Mesoscale Processes in Boise, ID (2025). I am also involved in the AMS Board on Representation, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Diversity (BRAID) and its associated LGBTQ+ affinity group, Coriolis. Through the latter, I have worked to create inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ scientists to form authentic community and new connections at AMS meetings. Regarding publications, I currently serve as an Associate Editor for AMS Monthly Weather Review (MWR), and have reviewed manuscripts for 10+ scientific journals.
- AMS Editor's Award - MWR/WAF (2026)
- NSF Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship (2024)
- AMS Mesoscale Very Early Career Outstanding Presentation Award (2023)
- AMS Early Career Leadership Academy (2023)
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022)
NSF AGS Postdoctoral Fellow - National Severe Storms Laboratory (2024-2026)
NRC Postdoctoral Fellow - National Severe Storms Laboratory (2022-2024)
Ph.D. - Texas A&M University, Atmospheric Science (2021)
M.S. - Texas A&M University, Atmospheric Science (2018)
B.S. - Pennsylvania State University, Meteorology (2016)
- Storm Mergers: Top-down evolution of merger process, cloud-top observations of merger events, multi-mode mergers (e.g., supercells & QLCSs)
- QLCS/Squall Line Dynamics: Mesovortex (MV) formation processes, environmental controls on MV production, watch-to-warning scale predictability
- TC Rainband Supercells: Environmental controls on initiation & maintenance, impact of free-tropospheric dry layers on mesocyclone strength
- Storm Damage & Socioeconomic Risk: Impact of pre-existing vulnerability on storm outcomes/damage, seasonal/modal differences in storm damage extent & magnitude