I have been interested in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science for as for as long as I can remember. My education as a Meteorologist and Physicist began as an undergraduate at Ohio University (OU), where I co-founded the Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Studies (https://scalialab.com/). I earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Meteorology at the Pennslylvania State University (PSU) under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Fairall and Dr. Bruce Albrecht, respectively. Dr. Ronald Isacc (OU), Dr. Folden Stumpf (OU), Dr. Thomas Ackerman (PSU), Dr. Craig Bohren (PSU), and Dr. Dennis Thompson (PSU) have also influenced my education and career.
My interest in the lower portion of the marine atmosphere, known as the marine boundary layer (MBL), began as a consequence of my M.S. research, which involved breaking waves and whitecaps and the production of sea-salt aerosol. This interest expanded to include MBL clouds and the development of new tools with which to study them, as a result of my Ph.D. research. After completing my Ph.D., I became a research scientist at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY, and my interests expanded further to include the Earth’s cloud systems, writ large, and the manner in which they were simulated in Global Climate Models. I became a professor at Rutgers University in 2007.
Education has always been a central theme for me. I began my teaching career as a graduate student and I continue to relish the opportunity to train new scientists in my role as a professor.
Outside interests include travel, music, exercise, and sports.
Awards & Distinctions
- Research Excellence Award, Rutgers School of Environment and Biological Sciences, 2013
- US Department of Energy Agency Appreciation Award, 2009
- Research Program Development Award, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 2002
- Väisäla Quality Certificate, 1988
- President, PSU Chi Epsilon Pi Meteorology National Honor Society, 1984
- Hans Neuberger Teaching Award, PSU Department of Meteorology, 1983