Lauren Cole
Nashville,TN
Summary
Passionate and results driven meteorology student with hands-on experience at the National Weather Service. Skilled in public outreach, advanced data analysis with ArcGIS Pro, and fostering community weather awareness. Proven ability to engage diverse audiences, enhance emergency preparedness, and translate complex meteorological data into clear, impactful communication.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Intern Volunteer
National Weather Service
09.2024 - Current
- Emergency & Public Outreach Training: Participated in SKYWARN sessions, emergency management meetings, and local storm briefing exercises, while also creating digital graphics and utilizing social media to enhance community weather awareness.
- Data Analysis & Visualization: Mastered advanced tools such as AWIPS, CAVE, and GFE to load and analyze radar/model data, adjust display layouts, and interpret soundings and climate data for real-time decision making.
- Operational Forecasting: Assisted meteorologists across multiple domains—severe weather, tropical systems, fire weather, marine forecasting, and coastal hazards—by preparing and editing forecast grids and AFDs (Area Forecast Discussions) for short-, mid-, and long-term updates.
- Collaboration with Aviation: Supported projects from aviation (writing TAFs, populating DAS grids) to hydrology and fire weather by working closely with meteorologists to generate precise, actionable weather information.
- Quality Control & Reporting: Conducted quality checks on COOP data, issued hazard messages (including river statements and warnings), and contributed to daily climate reports and surf product updates.
- GIS Mapping & Integration Project: Developed a project using ArcGIS Pro to create a geospatial layer of vulnerable communities within the NWS MLB County Warning Area. Converted these mapped points for integration into AWIPS, bolstering situational awareness and targeted emergency response efforts.
- Interactive StoryMap Development: Developed a comprehensive Esri StoryMap on Hurricane Milton, illustrating the storm's rapid intensification, destructive tornado outbreaks, and severe flooding impacts. Combined detailed analysis with visual storytelling to effectively communicate complex meteorological processes and their real-world impacts.
Intern Volunteer
National Weather Service
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Public Outreach & Education: Participated in multiple outreach events, including Waterfest, where I educated the public on flood risks and safety, and a school fair, where I introduced people of all ages to the National Weather Service's role and the importance of staying weather-aware. These experiences enhanced my communication skills and strengthened my ability to convey complex weather information to diverse audiences.
- Emergency Management Exposure: Attended an Emergency Manager's meeting with the Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC), gaining valuable insights into emergency preparedness, response strategies, and interagency collaboration.
- Aviation Meteorology Training: Completed the Aviation DLAC training, equipping me with specialized knowledge essential for producing accurate Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs).
- Hands-On Meteorological Experience: Gained practical skills by launching multiple weather balloons, improving my understanding of data collection, upper-air analysis, and atmospheric profiling.
- StoryMap Development: Created an Esri StoryMap highlighting notable weather events from the 2010s, soon to be featured on the NWS Nashville website, combining geospatial analysis with compelling storytelling.
- Decision Support Services (DSS): Shadowed a DSS event at Bridgestone Arena, working alongside a meteorologist to provide real-time weather updates to the Emergency Manager. Delivered critical information on developing weather conditions and potential impacts to ensure public safety.
Adventure Guide
Adventure Science Center
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Audience Awareness: Demonstrated adaptability and strong communication skills by tailoring explanations to suit diverse audiences, from young children to science enthusiasts.
- Collaboration: Collaborated with team members to ensure exhibits operated smoothly, efficiently identifying and resolving technical issues to maintain an optimal visitor experience.
- Visitor Experience: Maintained a dynamic and welcoming environment, creating meaningful connections that left visitors excited to learn more.
- Teaching: Fostered curiosity and inspired exploration by encouraging questions, discussions, and hands-on learning.
- Communication: Engaged visitors of all ages by delivering clear, engaging explanations of interactive exhibits, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible and memorable experiences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Meteorology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL05-2026
Skills
- Public speaking
- Flexible schedule
- Social media
- Computer skills
- ArcGIS Pro
- Team collaboration
- Outreach
- Forecasting
Timeline
Intern Volunteer
National Weather Service
09.2024 - Current
Intern Volunteer
National Weather Service
06.2024 - 08.2024
Adventure Guide
Adventure Science Center
05.2023 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Meteorology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Similar Profiles
Timothy DestriTimothy Destri
Meteorologist (Senior Forecaster) at NOAA National Weather ServiceMeteorologist (Senior Forecaster) at NOAA National Weather Service
John KuhnJohn Kuhn
Meteorologist at National Weather ServiceMeteorologist at National Weather Service
Curtis AikenCurtis Aiken
Volunteer at National Weather ServiceVolunteer at National Weather Service