My interests are in the field of cloud physics: from storm electrification and hail formation to aviation icing and cloud seeding research. My research includes observational analysis using aircraft and radar data, as well as numerical cloud models, especially focused on improving model parameterizations of cloud microphysics. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, including two young kids who keep me quite busy. I also enjoy gardening, hiking, cooking/baking, and blogging.

I grew up in tornado alley and I have always been fascinated by severe thunderstorms since I was 4 years old. I wanted to know why the weather does what it does, so after I got my degree in meteorology, I set my sights on obtaining a Ph.D. and becoming a research scientist. While an undergrad, I was accepted into the SOARS (Significant Opportunities for Atmospheric Research and Science) Program and spent the next four summers doing research under the mentorship of scientists at NCAR. SOARS gave me experiences and helped me build skills that have enhanced my career in so many ways! My SOARS and graduate research focused on severe storms, including tornado formation, hail formation, and storm electrification using dual-polarization and dual-Doppler radar data. After graduate school, I wanted to expand my horizons by learning how to use cloud models to study aerosol impacts on storms. This led me to my current job at NCAR where I work with observations and models to improve microphysics in models and study applications of improved cloud physics in models for aviation icing, water resources, and cloud seeding research.