Sara Fults

I currently forecast flight conditions for flights around the world and write reports on the expected flight conditions for take off and arrival, such as VFR, MVFR, IFR. Forecast reports include cloud cover, wind speed and direction, visibility impacts from precipitation. Describe en-route weather and impacts form turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, volcanic ash emissions and tropical storms. Also conduct verbal weather briefings with pilots on runway conditions and en-route weather.

My interest in Atmospheric Science stems from tracking the weather with my dad to monitor growing conditions for his farm. I enjoy forecasting, but aerosols have more recently captured my fancy. During the Chilean Coastal Orographic Precipitation Experiment (CCOPE-2015) in Chile, I was able to collect a unique data set regarding the quantity of aerosols in a region impacted by strong maritime flow, as well as blocked flow from the Nahuelbuta mountain range. I love camping, running, hiking, music and drinking coffee. I still play my alto saxophone in the Laramie Community band.

I grew up in a house filled with music and science. I was primarily drawn to music and taught band for 5 years. I even played tenor sax in a Blues Brothers Tribute Band. A career change led me to meteorology. My original goal was on finding a job as a forecaster, but my advisor gave me a gentle push towards graduate school, which led to my interest in aerosols. Just as little details such as dynamics and articulations can change a piece of music, aerosols are the little details that affect our weather and climate. Studying aerosols has also provided opportunities for me to work in a lab setting, as well as field work.