Observing and Studying Powerful Storms Up Close With Atmospheric Scientist Karen Kosiba

As a top atmospheric scientist at the Center for Severe Weather Research in Boulder, Colorado, Karen Kosiba has studied some of the most powerful tornadoes and hurricanes close up from inside the sophisticated Doppler on Wheels (DOW) mobile radar station. Key to her research is executing field projects to collect data (including wind structure of tornadoes and hurricanes, and supercell storm dynamics) that can be characterized and analyzed to better understand and predict these hazardous weather events.

Fascinated by the world around her since childhood, Karen grew up delighting herself by collecting caterpillars, building balsawood bridges and staying up late watching lightning.  As a college student, she considered careers in architecture, patent law, and veterinary medicine, but ultimately decided on pursuits in atmospheric science.

Inside the Doppler on Wheels, she has participated as project scientist, radar operator, and project leader in a multitude of field projects, including observing and studying surface winds and damage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and investigating the Goshen County (Wyoming) tornadic supercell of 2009. Additionally, Karen is passionate about sharing the excitement and importance of atmospheric science with others through various venues. This includes wowing audiences at TEDX engagements, appearing in the Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers series, and participating in science education regularly via outreach activities at schools, museums and festivals.

She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics at Loyola University, a Master’s of Science at Miami University, and her Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science at Purdue University.