Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Ashton M. Cook

La Vista,Nebraska

Summary

Versatile and driven professional with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience spanning research, leadership, and project coordination. Adept at navigating complex challenges, synthesizing diverse information, and delivering results in dynamic environments. Recognized for combining analytical insight with practical execution, while fostering collaboration and clear communication across varied teams and audiences.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher/Assistant Site Director

Kids Club, PLCS Foundation
La Vista, NE
08.2025 - Current
  • Supervise and engage groups of up to XX elementary students in before- and after-school programs, ensuring safety, inclusivity, and adherence to state licensing regulations.
  • Assist the Site Director with staff oversight, scheduling, and daily program operations, including training and mentoring new team members.
  • Plan, coordinate, and lead a variety of activities—academic support, crafts, STEM projects, and physical games—tailored to diverse needs and abilities.
  • Maintain effective communication with parents, guardians, and school staff, documenting incidents, tracking attendance, and addressing behavioral concerns.

Student Research Assistant

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
07.2024 - 09.2024
  • Served as Lead Student Meteorologist for assigned field site, overseeing on-site meteorological operations and coordinating data collection activities.
  • Assisted in and occasionally delivered full-team weather briefings, presenting forecasts and operational updates to guide project decisions.
  • Launched radiosondes, drove and navigated CoMeTs, and maintained meteorological situational awareness in the field.
  • Collected, recorded, and organized high-quality atmospheric data, ensuring accuracy and completeness for integration into project datasets and subsequent analysis.

Student Research Assistant

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
02.2023 - 05.2023
  • Operated and assisted in the operation of the RaXPol mobile radar scanner, deploying PPI and RHI scans to capture high-resolution precipitation intensity and storm structure data.
  • Analyzed multi-source datasets from RaXPol, GLM, and NLDN to study the relationship between reflectivity, rainfall rates, and lightning production.
  • Processed radar and dual-polarization data to identify hydrometeor characteristics, electrification regions, and structural storm trends.
  • Cross-referenced rainfall rate data with lightning activity to detect correlations and potential causal relationships.
  • Presented findings in technical research briefings and outreach talks for non-major undergraduate audiences.

Student Research Assistant

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
02.2023 - 05.2023
  • Analyzed radar datasets for 500+ left-moving supercell cases, identifying structural patterns and recurring storm characteristics.
  • Compiled and entered hundreds of severe weather reports—including hail, high winds, and tornadoes—into organized spreadsheets for cross-referencing with radar data.
  • Mapped event locations and timestamps using latitude/longitude data on GIS to establish spatial and temporal trends in storm impacts.
  • Supported faculty research by synthesizing findings into trend summaries, contributing to the understanding of storm morphology and severe weather correlations.

Shift Lead

Culver’s
La Vista, Nebraska
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Supervised and motivated team members during shifts, ensuring smooth operations, quality service, and adherence to company standards.
  • Coordinated shift tasks, delegated duties, and monitored workflow in both front- and back-of-house areas.
  • Trained and coached new employees on food preparation, safety protocols, and guest service expectations.
  • Handled customer concerns, resolved issues promptly, and maintained a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Meteorology/Climatology

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
12.2025

Skills

  • GIS mapping
  • Python (Py-ART, MetPy)
  • MATLAB
  • Microsoft Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Mrcrosoft Word
  • Team supervision
  • Public speaking
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Training & mentoring

Timeline

Teacher/Assistant Site Director

Kids Club, PLCS Foundation
08.2025 - Current

Student Research Assistant

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
07.2024 - 09.2024

Student Research Assistant

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
02.2023 - 05.2023

Student Research Assistant

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
02.2023 - 05.2023

Shift Lead

Culver’s
01.2021 - 01.2023

Bachelor of Science - Meteorology/Climatology

University of Nebraska–Lincoln