DaNa Carlis named director of NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory

DaNa L. Carlis, Ph.D., a analysis meteorologist and skilled scientific chief, has been named the director of NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in Norman, Oklahoma. He will be a part of the world’s preeminent analysis establishment for observing and understanding extreme thunderstorms and excessive climate on January 29. He is the primary African American to be named a lab director in NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

Carlis presently serves as deputy director at NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) in Boulder, Colorado. He has spent his 20-year profession at NOAA working on the intersections between science, coverage and society to make sure higher services for the American individuals. In addition, he has led NOAA efforts to advance range, fairness and inclusion, together with co-founding NOAA’s Diversity and Professional Advancement Working Group offsite link. 

“Dr. Carlis shares my commitment to champion diversity and foster professional growth opportunities across the agency,” stated NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “NOAA is fortunate to have a leader with deep scientific expertise and the strong skills to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of NSSL’s culture.”

“As a proven leader, DaNa has guided a variety of NOAA programs and projects that have contributed to producing better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters and a greater understanding of the Earth,” stated Steve Thur, Ph.D., NOAA assistant administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, who introduced the appointment. “His leadership experience and passion for research will help NSSL continue to fulfill its mission to help forecasters provide advance warnings of extreme weather and save lives.”

Prior to becoming a member of GSL, Carlis served as NOAA’s Earth Prediction Innovation Center program supervisor, coverage advisor to the NOAA assistant secretary for environmental commentary and prediction and NOAA chief scientist, and as a analysis meteorologist. He began at NOAA as a pupil by way of the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions.

Carlis attended Howard University, the place he earned a grasp of science diploma and doctorate in atmospheric sciences and meteorology and a bachelor of science diploma in chemistry. A 3rd technology Oklahoman and native of Tulsa, he’s happy to return to his residence state.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead this team of dedicated and accomplished scientists,” Carlis stated. “I’m looking forward to getting out into the field to see the research that has been making a real difference in peoples’ daily lives.”

Established in 1964, NSSL is dedicated to enhancing understanding of extreme climate and growing new instruments to raised forecast and warn the general public about hazards. NOAA NSSL scientists work with NOAA’s National Weather Service to make sure forecasters have the information and applied sciences to successfully detect and problem correct and well timed forecasts and warnings of extreme climate to the general public. NSSL’s analysis has led to vital enhancements in offering advance warnings for extreme climate occasions, together with lead occasions for tornadoes, which have saved numerous lives.

Carlis takes over from Kurt Hondl, NSSL deputy laboratory director, who has superior the NSSL’s mission, range initiatives and outreach through the interim interval. Gary Matlock, Ph.D., deputy assistant administrator for science for NOAA Research, has served as appearing NSSL director.