About Me
Photo Credit: Gabby Brown
I am a meteorologist, independent software developer, and teacher originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas. I became interested in weather when I experienced an intense supercell thunderstorm when I was 8 years old. When living in Houston (2004-2007), I experienced Hurricane Rita, which further increased my interest in the weather.
When my family moved back to the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2007, I attended the TESSA Conference whenever possible. This also got me interested in storm spotting. Storm spotters are community volunteers that aid the National Weather Service by providing ground truth (radar can see a lot, but it cannot see everything). I became an active spotter in 2012 until I got my degree in meteorology in 2018. I also got an amateur radio license during this timeframe.
I also became increasingly interested in computers when I was in middle school. I had an old Macintosh LC 575, and managed to install a copy of ResEdit (now obsolete), which allowed me to manipulate certain features and files on my computer that would otherwise be untouchable. A little while later, I installed a trial version of BASIC and started writing programs from scratch in the 8th grade. I also became interested in sound design and computer graphics around this time and used the software I had to pursue these interests. In high school, I took the computer science courses that were offered, which introduced me to Java. Around this same time, I began learning about C, variations of which are still used to this day.
In college, I began learning about Python from a programming course that I took. I've since used Python extensively as it is highly versatile, very concise, intuitive, and easy to learn. If you're interested in learning how to program, I would recommend starting with Python. Unlike other languages, you don't necessarily have to download and install anything special. You can simply use an online interface like DataLore or you could download a software package called Anaconda. Python may have a reputation as a data analysis language, but it is capable of much more than that.
I would later use Python and R (a statistics scripting language) at an internship with the Storm Prediction Center where I analyzed a dataset pertaining to wildfires in the Southeast United States (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi). See the "research" tab for details about the exact findings.
While doing a summer internship with Weather Decision Technologies (now called DTN after a merger), I gained some experience with developing web apps. If you're interested in building simple websites or developing fully interactive webpages and web apps, I highly recommend W3 Schools. Anything you could want to know about website development is laid out with interactive examples and great explanations.
I graduated with my degree in meteorology in May 2018 with minors in math and physics. I took some extended time off, but eventually went to graduate school to pursue a unique opportunity. While getting my master's degree, I spent several years teaching a college-level programming class. I graduated with my master's degree in December 2021 and am now pursuing a PhD while continuing to intermittently teach university classes and mentor upcoming meteorology students.
Software
WarnUSA web application that automatically retrieves the latest tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warning data from a NOAA source and displays the information in a concise, easy to manage format. This is intended to serve emergency managers and weather enthusiasts. Be advised that the website can be subject to disruptions (mostly because NOAA's web services are not 100% reliable), so keep that in mind if you're concerned about hazardous weather impacting you or someone you know.
Games
A set of multi-player games that can be played with other people through an Internet browser. I originally started creating these for my grandfather, who wanted to play these games with the rest of the family, but couldn't because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It should be noted that the setup is still in beta stages, but the vast majority of games can be completed without glitching out or crashing. As I find the time to do so, this webpage will see revisions and additional games.
The Name Game
This is a fun little game that I created and played with some high school and college friends of mine. This is not on the multi-player game page, because it's really meant to be played in person (though any audio or video chatting app can make remote play possible).
Lightning Index Calculator
This is a parameter that I developed and fine-tuned while pursuing my bachelor's degree, which can be used to assess both the potential coverage and intensity of lightning strikes. The above webpage also includes a download link to a Python program that does the same calculation.
Fire Index Page
A project that was inspired by a research project I did with the Storm Prediction Center as an undergraduate intern.
Final Exam Calculator
What do you need to pass? A super-simple web-based application to determine just that.
PNG-Pack (Download)
Pronounced "ping pack". This an open source Python implementation of what's discussed in Encoding Datasets Into PNGs. The .zip file contains the Python package and several example files that demonstrate how to use the package.
CoMPS Storm Mode Model (Download)
The object-based model that I derived and developed for my master's thesis in meteorology. The .zip file contains an open-source version of the model in Python and supplemental documentation.
Password Security Calculator
This is something I use for my own personal reference to ensure that I can create unbreakable passwords. Of course, you should never enter your password into a website that you don't trust, so this webpage also includes a Python program that runs the same exact algorithm (disclaimer: this linked page doesn't log or transfer anything at all, which can proven by a simple inspection of the web element, but you should always be wary of any websites that unexpectedly ask for a password).
Teaching
Work that I've done as the primary instructor for some college courses. Most of it is at least loosely related to meteorology, but the programming (Python) resources may be useful in other disciplines.Experience:
| Semester | Class | Role | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | METR1014: Introduction to Weather and Climate | Instructor | In Person |
| Fall 2024 | METR5004: Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science | Grader | In Person |
| Summer 2024 | METR2603: Severe and Unusual Weather | Instructor | Online |
| Spring 2024 | METR1014: Introduction to Weather and Climate | Instructor | Hybrid |
| Fall 2023 | METR5004: Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science | Grader | In Person |
| Summer 2023 | METR1014: Introduction to Weather and Climate | Instructor | Online |
| Spring 2023 | METR2603: Severe and Unusual Weather | Instructor | In Person |
| Fall 2022 | METR5004: Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science | Grader | In Person |
| Fall 2022 | METR2004: Atmospheric Circulations | Grader | In Person |
| Summer 2022 | METR1014: Introduction to Weather and Climate | Instructor | Online |
| Spring 2022 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | In Person |
| Fall 2021 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | In Person |
| Summer 2021 | METR1014: Introduction to Weather and Climate | Instructor | Online |
| Spring 2021 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | Hybrid |
| Fall 2020 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | Hybrid |
| Summer 2020 | METR2023: Introduction to Meteorology II (Intro to Atmospheric Dynamics) | Instructor | Online |
| Spring 2020 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | Hybrid |
| Fall 2019 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | In Person |
| Summer 2019 | METR2023: Introduction to Meteorology II (Intro to Atmospheric Dynamics) | Instructor | In Person |
| Spring 2019 | METR1313: Programming for Meteorology | Instructor | In Person |
Miscellaneous: Vector Tutorial
Research
Most of my research interests are with improving weather forecasts with particular emphasis on something I call "second-order modeling", which involves developing models (statistical and mathematical) to concisely interpret the raw outputs of weather models (essentially running models on top of models). The ultimate goal of such work is to provide forecasters with information that would otherwise be non-existent or tedious to determine manually.Encoding Datasets Into PNGs (HTML)
While pursuing an aspect of my PhD research, I encountered an issue of "too much data, not enough disk space". Upon realizing that lightweight Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files can store gridded data, I devised a workaround that solved my problem. An open-source Python package implementing this concept can be downloaded by clicking here.
A Statistical Approach to Diagnosing Storm Mode (PDF)
Thesis Defense Slides (PDF)
My master's thesis, advised by Dr. Harold Brooks, Dr. Xuguang Wang, and Dr. Michael Richman. Determining storm mode is a critical part of any severe weather forecast, since isolated modes are more likely to produce significant hail and significant tornadoes and linear modes are more likely to produce widespread significant straight-line winds. Currently, convection allowing models (CAMs) are being used to assess storm mode, but these don't run more than 3 days in the future. This research is intended to provide a storm mode forecast for any potential severe weather event that is covered by global models (which run 10 to 15 days in the future).
Training Axis Parameter (PDF)
An independent research project I did as part of a graduate class to assess potential for training thunderstorms (which would pose a significant flooding risk). Parts of this went towards my master's research, but I'll be greatly expanding on this work for my PhD.
A Re-Evaluation of Critical Fire Weather in the Southeast (Slideshow)
The first research project I took on as an undergraduate looked at conditions favorable for wildfires in the Southeast. I primarily worked with Elizabeth Leitman, Nicholas Nauslar, and Matt Mosier at the Storm Prediction Center as part of an internship. Turns out that lightning is responsible for most wildfires in Florida and combinations of strong wind/low relative humidity are not as important as they are in the Plains.
Articles
Meteorology Ain't EasyWeather forecasters get things wrong sometimes, and their defense always seem to be in the form of showing calculus and other complicated math. I attempt to offer a more practical explanation that gets to the core of what makes predicting the weather so challenging.
No, There Is Not An App For That
Forecasting apps can get you into trouble if you're not careful.
They're Not Tornado Sirens
An explanation of why the term "tornado siren" is a misnomer.
Social Media-rologists
This is a growing public messaging problem that is becoming more pervasive.
Mac vs PC
This is not an argument for one platform or the other. This is simply a synthesis of pros and cons that will hopefully be useful to a potential consumer.
Artificial Intelligence
This is a topic that's been getting a lot of attention lately, and I thought I'd put some of my opinions into the public record. This article will likely see revisions as new developments emerge.
Tips For The Prospective Meteorologist
If you or your kid are considering a career in meteorology, then I hope this will prove helpful. This is a blend of things that worked well for me and things I wish I had done differently.
Rare Events
When making a prediction for a rare event, a number of logistical challenges will be present, and there may be reason to believe that it is impossible to reliably forecast rare events.
Meteorology of 9/11
A plain language synopsis of how atmospheric conditions influenced the September 11th attacks. This includes discussion about Hurricane Erin, the large-scale weather pattern, and relevant small-scale phenomena.
Rants
-ianWhy does the name of almost every alien race in sci-fi end in "ian"?
Reference Letter Interfaces
Submitting reference letters through websites has become the norm, but the lack of standardization and consistency makes this process unnecessarily stressful.
Chegg
Why websites like Chegg and CourseHero make my life harder.
Internet Ads
What was once a minor and acceptable inconvenience is now a great way to get a major headache.
Art, Inc.
True artistry and corporate culture don't mix (most of the time), and I explain the reasons for this.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)
Theoretically speaking, this should be the best way to disseminate critical life-saving information to the general public. In practice, it has become an overused and annoying feature, and I propose a simple way to fix this problem.
Recreation
Song ListA compilation of songs that I have actively scouted or heard that I also enjoy. Most of these songs are pretty obscure, but the list is over 2000 songs long, so chances are you'll find at least 1 song that we both like.
Movie List
I don't watch many movies, but the movies I have seen and enjoyed are provided in this list.
Game List
Games that I've played, enjoyed, and would recommend to others.
Hypothetical StarCraft: Brood War Balance Patch
Some thoughts and ideas about a gaming topic that has recently gained traction.
Tier Lists
Out of the games that I've played, I've had some fun creating tier lists if the game's design makes the lists feasible. Note that this page also includes a meteorological tier list (specifically one for severe thunderstorm forecasting).
The Azdara
An explanation of where my Internet avatar comes from and why it was chosen.
Visual
Most of the original artwork that I've done pertains to sci-fi graphics (especially weapon sprites). I've attempted some artwork with human figures, but humans are really complicated and I don't feel fully comfortable drawing a human...Audio
Ever since I figured out how to do so, I've taken an admittedly strange interest in crafting sound effects. Most of the sound effects I create are tied to game development (and, unfortunately, are not in a format that is easily shared to a webpage). However, there are a few abstract sounds that are available for playing.External Links
A high school friend of mine (Zach Hinkle) has a website that includes study materials (for math and physics), card games, and classical music.thehinklegroup.net
If you're interested in building websites or developing web-based applications, I highly recommend this website.
www.w3schools.com
A link to a personal website owned by Stuart Cheshire, who (along with others) was an inspiration for me to pursue programming. stuartcheshire.org
My high school physics teacher (Stephen Murray) maintains a website that has study resources on it designed for high school students, but anyone looking for some basic physics knowledge can also get good use out of it. Since he also has a degree in music, he has included some of the "science songs" that he has composed.
cstephenmurray.com
Dr. Walter Lewin is a well-known college professor that does an amazing job explaining physics. If you're struggling in your physics classes (or if you're curious about physics), I highly recommend his video lectures.
Classical Mechanics Playlist (YouTube)
Electricity & Magnetism Playlist (YouTube)