Sophie M. Miller
West Chester,Ohio
Summary
Determined meteorology student who is passionate about pursuing a career in the mesoscale meteorology research sector. Always willing to take initiative, and has shown to be an effective leader by partaking in leadership roles in the American Meteorological Society ISU Student Chapter. Driven by a lifelong curiosity about severe thunderstorms and supercells, which fuels her motivation and inspires her to expand her quest for knowledge every single day.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Iowa State University
02.2024 - Current
Advisor: Dr. William A. Gallus Jr.
- Analyzed whether equivalent potential temperature gradients near the surface contribute to initiating upscale convective growth.
- Gained beneficial insights into advanced computing with Python, and simulated multiple runs of the WRF model.
- Presented experimental findings in a poster presentation at the 2025 Central Iowa National Weather Association conference.
National Weather Center Research Experience
For Undergraduates Program
05.2024 - 08.2024
Advisors: Dr. Michael E. Baldwin, Dr. Kimberly A. Hoogewind, Dr. Harold E. Brooks
- Conducted research analyzing the accuracy of 8 to 14-day severe weather outlook probabilities.
- Presented research findings as a poster presentation during the 2025 American Meteorological Society conference.
- Analyzed the existing literature and synthesized the findings into a scientific paper published on the National Weather Center REU website.
- Used Python to compute various calculations and generate different visual displays for the gathered data.
Ride Operator
Cedar Fair
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Operated mechanical riding devices and automatic equipment throughout the park.
- Assisted in daily cleaning, organization, and inspection of rides and corresponding equipment.
- Ensured the safety of guests by checking the ride's restraints, and scanning for any danger before sending the ride into operational mode.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Meteorology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA05-2026
Skills
- Weather forecasting
- Numerical Weather Modeling using the WRF
- Proficient in computer programming in Python and Linux
- Scientific research and writing
Accomplishments
WxChallenge Forecasting Competition Awards:
- Top freshman-sophomore forecaster for the 2023-2024 academic year.
- Top junior-senior forecaster for Wichita Falls, TX and placed 2nd nationally (Nov. 2024).
- Top freshman-sophomore forecaster for Crescent City, CA and placed 7th nationally (Mar. 2024).
- Top freshman-sophomore forecaster for Rapid City, SD (Sept. 2023).
- Runner-up junior-senior forecaster for Aberdeen, SD (Feb. 2025).
Extracurricular Activities
Iowa State University’s Student Chapter Of The American Meteorology Society (ISU AMS), Female Engagement Officer (2023 – 2024), CINWA Student Liaison (2024 – 2025), Forecasting Chair (2025 – 2026)
- Managed WxChallenge operations, including forecast submissions, participant payments, and competition logistics for Iowa State.
- Organized and led weekly forecast discussions and skills workshops to support student development.
- Created lesson plans and recorded several lectures on the subject of weather forecasting for the undergraduate students.
- Oversaw the Tornado Target Contest by executing forecast-processing programs and moderating forecast submissions.
- Coordinated and hosted social events promoting diversity, inclusion, and female advocacy in meteorology.
- Collaborated with cabinet members to plan, advertise, and execute club initiatives and events.
- Actively engaged in community-building activities, including club sports, movie nights, and social gatherings.
National Weather Association: Central Iowa Chapter (CINWA), CINWA Student Liaison (2024 – 2025)
- Assisted in planning the Spring 2024 National Weather Association Central Iowa Conference in the Des Moines area.
- Participated in professional development trips to the National Weather Service office in Des Moines, networking with forecast meteorologists.
Cy's Eyes On The Skies
- Co-hosts and assists in running weekly broadcast shows highlighting Iowa weather.
- Gained on-camera experience and strengthened public speaking skills by serving as a broadcast meteorologist for multiple shows.
Timeline
National Weather Center Research Experience
For Undergraduates Program
05.2024 - 08.2024
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Iowa State University
02.2024 - Current
Ride Operator
Cedar Fair
01.2020 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Meteorology
Iowa State University