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James Kurdzo

Title:
Radar Meteorologist
A photo of James Kurdzo outside with a building and tree in background
I'm transitioning research tasks into operational algorithms that help the Federal Aviation Administration improve safety and efficiency.

What has been most satisfying about your experience here?
One thing I did not get to do before coming to the Laboratory was get my research into operations. Now, I'm transitioning research tasks into operational algorithms that help the Federal Aviation Administration improve safety and efficiency. I'm currently wrapping up a chaff detection algorithm for the WSR-88D network, which comprises 159 radars that the National Weather Service relies on for forecasting.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is following through on my love for meteorology, which began around age six, all the way to a PhD in the field. At first, I wanted to be a forecaster, but my career goals shifted toward radar meteorology when, coincidentally, I read a paper in college written by staff at Lincoln Laboratory. I am particularly proud that my dissertation work resulted in a cover-page article in the Bulletin of the American Meteorology Society, the premier journal in my field.

Tell us about your interests outside of work.
My love for photography grew out of my passion for meteorology, first focusing on lightning photography and moving on to time-lapse photography of nature. I have particularly focused on photography of severe convective storms and tornadoes. I also come from a long line of pilots within my family and enjoy flight simulation, especially using virtual reality. It is an excellent way to spend some of my free time.

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Listen to James talk about his path to meteorology on the American Meteorological Society's podcast.