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NCSU Meteorology Alumni

Below are a number of biographies of proud alumni that have graduated from the meteorology program at NC State. If you are an alumni of our program and would like to be featured on our alumni page, please reach out to us here!

Catherine Opalka (2016)
After graduating with Bachelors degrees in meteorology and geology, Catherine continued her education at UNCC and graduated with a Masters degree in Earth Sciences in 2018. She suggests students "make connections and seek help from your peers. These connections may help you later in life. If you want to take a class out of interest, even if it isn't in your major/minor, do it! It never hurts to learn more about something and you never know what can result. Finally, take the time to experience weather. Sometimes the best understanding can come from experiencing it, and it's fun."

Andrew Futrell (2008)
After graduating with a BS in Meteorology, Andrew earned his MA in Applied Geography from UNC-Greensboro in 2012. Now employed as a GIS/AutoCAD Technician at NC State, he suggests students gain as many non-meteorology skill-sets as they can, especially in computer applications, database administration, programming, and technical skills/trades. Most importantly, he suggests to keep all job options open since meteorology is a "very narrow discipline in a broad, diverse job market."

Brandon Black (2017)
After graduating with a BS in Meteorology, Brandon continued his education at NC State and is currently a Master's student in GIS. In addition to his studies, Brandon also works as a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Mobile, AL. Brandon advises new students to "enjoy all the experiences that N.C. State has to offer. There will be tough times but in the end it will pay off no matter what. Stick with it and feel free to use alumni for help. We have all been through it and are willing to help!"

Austin Bowling (2009)
After graduating from NC State in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Meteorology, Austin Bowling joined KWSO-TV where he first served as a weekend meteorologist and now serves as their chief meteorologist.

T.C. Moore
After earning his bachelor's degree in meteorology from NC State, T.C. served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years as an active duty weather officer, returning to NC State during this time to earn his master's degree in Atmospheric Science. After retiring from active duty, he was hired as a federal civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Director of Weather (Pentagon), and is currently serving as Chief, Interagency Weather Integration, where he develops approaches for integration of emerging science and technology, for the purpose of improving planning, programming, employment and maintenance for USAF weather resources.

Jonathan Blaes (1995)
With a bachelor's degree in meteorology from NC State in 1995, Jonathan obtained an internship with the National Weather Service immediately after graduating. After career stops in Washington D.C. and Albany, NY, he returned to Raleigh, NC, where was later promoted to serve as a Science and Operations Officer with the National Weather Service. Like many of those who begin with a passion for the field of meteorology, Jonathan reminds us that every day counts, and you should never give up on your dreams.

Katie Magee (2015)
After obtaining a bachelor's degree in Meteorology in 2015 and later earning her master's at UNC Charlotte in Earth Sciences while working as a teaching assistant, Katie pursued the opportunity as a NWS Pathways Intern at the Meteorological Development Lab, where she helped develop MOS equations, worked on the new National Blend of Models, and assisted with web design. Katie then became a Meteorologist in Training (MIT) at the NWS Houston WFO in August, 2017 - just five days before Harvey made landfall. After a little over a year in Houston, Katie will work as a General Forecaster at the NWS Huntsville WFO, where she will help implement new Decision Support Services techniques and work extensively with the University of Alabama - Huntsville with research and student internships. Like many of our meteorologists, Katie encourages students and graduates to "apply to every opportunity that comes your way, you never know what might work out and what new skills you can learn!"