Heather Reeves, Research Associate (CIMMS/NSSL)
Background:
Ph.D. Meteorology, North Carolina State University
M.S. Meteorology, North Carolina State University
B.S. Meteorology, Central Michigan University
Experience:
Heather was born in Hemlock, Michigan, where she lived until her family relocated in-state to Mt. Pleasant. She grew up with an interest in music, but quickly discovered the competitive lifestyle did not suit her personality. Instead, she elected to pursue a degree in meteorology at Central Michigan University. Upon graduation, she and her husband decided to continue their education, and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. There, she earned both her Master’s and Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. After graduating, Heather was offered a NRC Postdoc at NSSL in Norman, Oklahoma. After finishing her postdoc, she joined CIMMS and has contributed to a number of different projects related to both numerical weather prediction and radar meteorology.
What She Does:
Heather has been with CIMMS/NSSL since 2009. Initially, she worked jointly for the Forecast and Radar Research Development Divisions, but transitioned to the Warning Research Development Division in 2015 to manage NSSL’s FAA research portfolio. Her specific interests include orographic precipitation and winter weather. She is currently working on projects to support detection and short-range prediction of weather hazards to the transportation sector. In June, Heather was honored with the American Meteorological Society’s Service to the Society Award at the 17th Conference on Mountain Meteorology.
Trivia:
Heather is married and has four cats. She and her husband enjoy watching low-budget disaster movies. Some of her favorites include Lightning: Bolts of Destruction, Tornado Valley, and Christmas Twister.