ANNARELI MORALES
Annareli talks about her experience
Where are you from? and what do you miss most about your hometown?
I'm from Chicago, Illinois. There are a couple things I definitely miss from home: the food (e.g. deep dish pizza), exploring in downtown Chicago and of course my friends and family.
What drew you to Meteorology and Atmospheric Science?
I always loved physical science, so I knew I wanted to study something related to the earth and the environment. When I applied to undergraduate programs I didn't even know atmospheric science was an option! Luckily, my undergrad university had just established atmospheric science as a major and so I decided to go for it. Although there were many bumps along the road, I had a good support system and they helped me get through the tough times to see that there's so many exciting things to see and learn about the atmosphere and the earth!
Why did you decide to move to Colorado and what made you choose CSU?
I had the opportunity to participate in the Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) program at NCAR in Boulder, CO and so I had fallen in love with the town! I had other options to choose from, but CSU just felt right. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I loved the atmosphere (literally and figuratively) and it felt as if we were all part of a community of scientists. From past experiences I learned that I definitely need a good support group and I felt CSU provided exactly what I needed.
What is your all-time favorite thing to do?
That's a tough one...
I guess it would be a tie between dancing and playing badminton or tennis. They're both great workouts and tons of fun!
What is one thing you've done in your life that you are surprised by?
On my birthday in 2013, I gave a 3 hour lecture on phases of water, latent heat, and cloud processes and classification with just 38 slides and 3 hands-on experiments. Oh and did I mention this was all in Spanish? I was extremely proud of myself that I got through the class successfully and I felt that the students enjoyed it as much as I did! I wasn't sure I could do it, but I did.
What is one place you would love to travel to? and why
Perhaps Japan. It seems like it would be out of this world! I would love to see all their technology and hear the language; hopefully pick some up along the way.
What do you love about being a graduate student?
I love being able to work with a variety of students and professors with different backgrounds and expertise. Also, I enjoy having a bit more free time for myself compared to when I was an undergrad.
In 10 years where do you see yourself?
These are some tough questions here...
I suppose I see myself being a teacher of some kind (either high school or university level). I would definitely like to be married and live in the Midwest, my home sweet home.
What is your long-term career goal?
I hope to one day become a professor and help encourage and teach the future generation of scientists. As I went through my undergraduate career, I felt a bit discouraged since hardly saw any Mexican-American students, let alone professors. I want to be able to provide that support and guidance that I was seeking as a female, Hispanic, first-generation college student.
Do you have any advice for an incoming graduate student?
Ask questions! I know it seems intimidating to ask a simple question in a graduate level class, but that's what you're here for, to learn! Always ask questions and try to get an answer or come to a conclusion, be it by talking to professors, TA's, your advisor, your fellow classmates, or Wikipedia!
Do you have any advice for an incoming graduate student?
My research involves testing the sensitivity of idealized deep convective storms to microphysical schemes and horizontal grid spacing. I hope to expand on that and focus on mesoscale systems that are responsible for extreme precipitation and flooding. Possibly looking at a case study and comparing the sensitivity to microphysics and horizontal resolution.