Can you tell us about your Natural Science Journey so far?  

Growing up in the UK and seeing how much the weather changed on a daily or hourly basis naturally led me to wonder why such changes occurred and whether we could anticipate them. Learning that common features exist between all processes, from the molecular to the galactic scale, reinforced my interest in Natural Sciences, but meteorology will always be my foremost passion. 

Currently, I am a Research Fellow based at the University of Leeds. I am developing a new rainfall retrieval product using visible and infrared radiometer observations from a geostationary satellite. I will attempt to use machine learning techniques to train a computer model to map these observations and others onto low-Earth orbit passive microwave observations, which are infrequent. If successful, the outputs may lead to more accurate near real-time detection and nowcasting of rainfall over Africa. 

Outside of my core research, I work with colleagues at two institutions in the UK and partner institutions in Africa to develop useful web tools for nowcasting. I hope to get more involved with forecasting testbeds where academics and operational forecasters come together to learn and exchange ideas and practices. 

I also supervise and mentor postgraduate students on interesting research projects and have many extracurricular responsibilities in scientific outreach, community groups and I lead a weekly weather discussion within the University of Leeds. 

So far, all of the opportunities I have had and applied for have come through my network of contacts which I have built up over the years that I have spent within the academic environment. These experiences have been looked upon favourably by potential employers and have introduced me to new people which I would not have met or interacted with overwise. 

Outside of the course teaching, what other opportunities did you get involved in during your time at University?

I’m not sure I could even list all the activities that I have said yes to over the years! In hindsight, perhaps some opportunities were not worth the effort, but then the opposite is true for others which have completely changed my path in life. 

I was a Course Representative, involved with outreach efforts in community groups and had some wild experiences like speaking in the House of Lord and traveling to the middle of Argentina to take part in a field campaign to study thunderstorms. Nowadays, I am starting to turn down some activities and recommend others, but I’m glad I said yes to certain ones in the past or I probably would not be in the position I am in today. 

What are your greatest achievements so far? 

I’d have to say that my greatest achievement has been fulfilling the life goal of almost every meteorologist - seeing a decently-sized tornado up close. Luckily, the tornado I saw was short-lived and didn’t cause any damage. It was just minding its own business, twirling through an empty field rather peacefully. 

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Natural Sciences?  

It may sound cliché, but find out what you enjoy and follow it. In machine learning, the best-performing neural networks allow themselves to hone in on features that they deem interesting, by do not cut themselves off from new branches on possibility. Sometimes the most off-piste events lead to entirely new avenues of opportunity for you. Learn to find the value in all things, no matter whether they sound scary or boring.

If you don’t occasionally feel out of your depth, you aren’t learning, and if you don’t occasionally feel nervous, you aren’t growing. New things are only so until you do them. The more above your level something feels, the faster you should say yes. 

Why do you feel it is important to have a diverse Natural Sciences industry?  

In the Natural Sciences industry, diversity is extremely important. Out collective actions usually have wide-ranging implications on society and the environment. I feel very fortunate to work in a subject area that impacts all places on Earth and brings together people of all kinds of different backgrounds and experiences. The weather tends to be a somewhat universal topic of conversation! 

What are your plans for the future?  

I generally see myself spanning the two fields of meteorology and engineering, as there seems to be a large gap for both to come together in the way of novel meteorological measurements, particularly how to make measurements useful to forecasting which ultimately impacts decision making and lives. I do quite hope that some of my research ideas can be commercially viable as a business and that I will be able to enjoy the benefits of spanning both academia and industry—fingers crossed!  

Broaden your horizons with extracurricular opportunities.