Brian Smoliak

Brian Smoliak Email and Phone Number

Co-Founder @ Weathervane
Saint Paul, MN, US
Brian Smoliak's Location
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, United States, United States
Brian Smoliak's Contact Details
About Brian Smoliak

My personal motto is “lead with empathy, follow with expertise.”Once I found my WHY, everything made more sense. I’m here to create spaces where every person can be their true self, so that together, we can serve something greater than ourselves. I do this in small groups and big organizations by:* Spanning contradictions: willing to stand alone between opposing poles.* Cultivating potential: encouraging continuous learning with a curious spirit.* Living deliberately: thinking and acting with intention.* Focusing on the big picture: emphasizing trends over snapshots.Ever since I was a child, I have felt most like myself being outdoors, sharing nature with others, and protecting the environment for future generations. At school the Earth sciences appealed to me in general, but meteorology captured my attention the most, weather being so direct and sensory. I majored in atmospheric science in college, focused on operational weather forecasting, and graduated with a sense that there was much more to learn about. This intuition led me to graduate school, where I delved into climate dynamics and the accumulating evidence that Earth’s climate is changing in response to human activity. I also gained experience with computer programming, data analysis, and science writing. My PhD thesis investigated recurring patterns of climate variability known as teleconnections. I showed that removing the influence of teleconnections from global observations more clearly revealed the human fingerprint in climate change. This awareness led me to study other human influences on climate, like the urban heat island effect, and to apply my expertise in other sectors, like agriculture and renewable energy.Currently I am working as a climate tech entrepreneur and freelance data scientist, pursuing opportunities that advance climate solutions (root causes, resilience building, disaster relief) and benefit human well-being. Specific interests include applied science, commercialization, and data analytics.Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Learner, Developer, Individualization, Empathy

Brian Smoliak's Current Company Details
Weathervane

Weathervane

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Co-Founder
Saint Paul, MN, US
Brian Smoliak Work Experience Details
  • Weathervane
    Co-Founder
    Weathervane
    Saint Paul, Mn, Us
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  • Weathervane
    Co-Founder
    Weathervane Feb 2017 - Present
    Established the company with a co-founder by clarifying our shared mission, vision, and values. Managed company operations and compliance. Supervised 2 summer interns. Led customer discovery leveraging the Lean LaunchPad entrepreneurship method, validating key assumptions and achieving a 75% conversion rate on requests for early access to a groundbreaking personal weather service. Secured intellectual property through non-provisional utility patents, copyright, and trade secrets. Proposed research and development, including 3 SBIR grant proposals to the National Science Foundation (NSF), 2 SBIR grant proposals to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and an innovation grant proposal to Launch Minnesota. Won a $3k mini-grant award from the MIN-Corps NSF I-Corps site to support customer development in 2019. Won a $150k SBIR Phase I award from NOAA in 2022 and a $650k SBIR Phase II award in 2023.
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  • Two Degrees Adapt
    Co-Founder
    Two Degrees Adapt Apr 2019 - Present
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, Us
    Joined a founding team composed of a former classmate, a technology scouting leader, and a data science executive to form an innovative climate adaptation consulting firm bridging the gap between risk assessment and engineering. Accelerated business development through conference attendance, advisory services, and partnership with other companies in the climate resilience ecosystem. Published blogs and a pioneering report on the value of 7 select technologies to offset $1.7 trillion of annual costs of climate change by 2030.
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  • Reflective Earth
    Research Partner
    Reflective Earth Mar 2020 - Present
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Led albedo research leveraging state-of-the-art atmospheric reanalyses, remote sensing imagery, and distributed cloud computing to enable product development and inspire climate action. Launched the first global reflectivity potential tool to help users explore the difference that lighter surfaces can make. Communicated the climate science, materials science, and atmospheric science underpinning the larger effort to quickly slow global warming through climate interventions.
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  • On Deck
    On Deck Climate Tech Fellow
    On Deck Mar 2021 - May 2021
    San Francisco, California, Us
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  • Rei
    Retail Sales Specialist
    Rei Mar 2019 - Aug 2020
    Seattle, Us
    Represented the Co-op at frontline and in footwear, welcoming and guiding customers based on their interests and needs. Increased retail sales by encouraging customer engagement, team communication, and visual merchandising standards. Achieved a 36% conversion rate on new memberships. Minimized shrink through loss prevention techniques and accurate inventory counts.
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  • Windlogics Is Now Nextera Analytics
    Senior Research Scientist
    Windlogics Is Now Nextera Analytics Jul 2016 - Aug 2018
    St Paul, Minnesota, Us
    Contributed applied research and scientific software development as a member of the Science & Research Team: created, developed, and maintained 4 production R software packages; researched and developed a cloud shading filter for solar photovoltaic power station data; reduced wind turbine and solar inverter power surface training time by 50% while increasing accuracy through improved data filters and new machine learning methods; prototyped a battery energy storage system operational assessment product. Coached colleagues on Git version control, research standards, and programming style guides.
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  • The Climate Corporation
    Atmospheric Scientist
    The Climate Corporation Sep 2014 - May 2016
    St. Louis, Missouri, Us
    Contributed basic and applied research and development (R&D) leveraging python and distributed cloud computing as a member of the Climatology and Weather Science Teams: produced dynamically downscaled gridded quantitative precipitation estimates with the WRF model in a region with coarse observational data coverage; researched patterns of seasonal climate variability over the US Midwest and their predictability using statistical and dynamical models; documented the sensitivity of FieldView Nitrogen Advisor to hydrometeorological data inputs. Introduced weekly weather briefings for internal audiences across the enterprises; wrote 3 posts for the Climate Insights blog; presented at 3 professional conferences.
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  • University Of Minnesota, Department Of Soil, Water, And Climate
    Postdoctoral Research Associate
    University Of Minnesota, Department Of Soil, Water, And Climate Apr 2013 - Sep 2014
    Minneapolis And St. Paul, Minnesota, Us
    Advanced the “Islands in the Sun” project investigating urban heat islands as a member of the TwiSny research group in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate: maintained an unprecedented dense sensor network to monitor temperature across the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (sensor calibration, deployment, and data collection); developed a data pipeline to automate temperature sensor data quality assurance, geostatistical interpolation, analysis, and visualization; published a peer-reviewed article documenting results; submitted a National Science Foundation AGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship proposal (withdrawn); won a $2300 mini-grant to investigate local temperature variability across natural and managed areas at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; won a prestigious NCAR Advanced Study Program Fellowship (declined). Initiated a weekly peer mentoring series, “Boreas Booya” with a group from the Boreas Leadership Program in the Institute on the Environment.
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  • University Of Washington
    Graduate Research Assistant
    University Of Washington Sep 2006 - Mar 2013
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Supported Professor John “Mike” Wallace’s research program as a member of his research group: co-authored 9 peer-reviewed journal articles and 1 book chapter, analyzed atmospheric and oceanic data leveraging MATLAB in service of studies concerning climate dynamics, air-sea interactions, atmospheric general circulation, and teleconnections; reviewed literature and grant proposals; prepared figures, powerpoint slides, Keynote slides, and other visualizations; recorded video of lectures; designed and maintained web pages.
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  • University Of Washington
    Lead Teaching Assistant
    University Of Washington Sep 2011 - Aug 2012
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Supervised 20 graduate teaching assistants (TAs) in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences over three academic quarters, providing resources, support, and teaching feedback. Hosted three microteaching events for current TAs to receive feedback and guidance from other department graduate students; introduced video recording and feedback to the events. Conducted weekly 1:1 check-ins with TAs during their courses. Provided written feedback to each TA based on course observations conducted throughout the quarter.
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  • University Of Washington
    Instructor
    University Of Washington Jun 2010 - Aug 2010
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Taught ATM S 101 (Weather) to 25 undergraduate students during 10 week summer quarter 2010. Built the course website (see link below). Designed daily lectures, assignments, quizzes, and a final exam according to the course goals. Encouraged experiential learning through student self-reflection, interactive demonstrations, and outdoor classroom time.
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  • University Of Washington
    Teaching Assistant
    University Of Washington Jan 2008 - Mar 2008
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Supported Professor Joel Thornton’s delivery of ATM S 211: Climate and Climate Change to 90 undergraduate students during 10 week winter quarter 2008. Led two weekly discussion sections, each with 45 undergraduate students. Graded homework assignments designed by Professor Thornton. Designed and graded exams in collaboration with Professor Thornton.
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  • Evans School Of Public Policy And Governance, University Of Washington
    Graduate Research Assistant
    Evans School Of Public Policy And Governance, University Of Washington Sep 2010 - Aug 2011
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Supported a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation initiative as a member of the Evans School Policy Analysis and Research (EPAR) group: reviewed literature, analyzed data (climate, weather, and agronomic) relevant to sustainable agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, co-authored a white paper, presented at a professional conference (JSM) and a UW Scholars Studio lightning talk.
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  • The Daily Uw
    Staff Writer
    The Daily Uw Jun 2007 - May 2009
    Seattle, Wa, Us
    Wrote 26 science-oriented articles spanning news, features, and a bi-weekly column, "Speaking of Science." Covered topics including: climate science, weather, oceanography, museum exhibitions, fellowships and research grant awards, quantum computing, and nuclear physics.
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  • Noaa, National Weather Service
    Scep Meteorologist
    Noaa, National Weather Service Jun 2004 - May 2009
    Washington, Dc, Us
    Supported operational meteorologists, hydrometeorological technicians, service hydrologist, program managers, and officers (MIC, SOO, WCM) at NWS weather forecast offices in Chanhassen, MN (MPX) and Valley, NE (OAX) as a meteorologist in the NOAA Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). Issued short-term forecasts, aviation products, and daily climate summaries, among others. Contributed to area forecast discussions, gridded forecasts, and severe weather operations. Launched upper air observations (weather balloon and radiosonde) under routine and special operations. Verified severe weather warnings in communication with citizens, broadcast media, public safety officers, and emergency management officials. Led outreach programs in collaboration with local schools, civic groups, and event organizers.
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  • Sears
    In-Store Marketing Associate
    Sears Nov 2002 - May 2004
    Chicago, Il, Us
    Placed retail products on shelves, end caps, and in aisle displays following planograms. Set signage before, during, and after sales promotions. Collaborated with customer service and sales associates to ensure accurate pricing and visual merchandising standards.
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  • Sears
    Customer Service Associate
    Sears Nov 2000 - Nov 2002
    Chicago, Il, Us
    Served customers on the retail sales floor and at the point of purchase in Sears’ hardware department (“Tool Territory”), providing direction and product expertise in consultation with sales associates. Sold purchase protection plans and master service plans at 26% conversion rate. Redeemed warranties on Craftsman tools. Performed stocking and annual inventory.
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Brian Smoliak Skills

Climate Change Research Science Data Analysis Meteorology Matlab Statistics Higher Education Community Outreach Atmospheric Science Public Speaking Weather Forecasting Sustainability Teaching Science Communication Editing Html Python Climatology R Non Profit Volunteering Non Profit Leadership Non Profit Board Development Css Visual Storytelling Microsoft Office Servant Leadership Julia Board Development Forecasting Storytelling Writing Agriculture Policy Analysis English Spanish Physics Geography

Brian Smoliak Education Details

  • University Of Washington
    University Of Washington
    Atmospheric Sciences
  • Creighton University
    Creighton University
    Atmospheric Sciences
  • Eden Prairie Senior High School
    Eden Prairie Senior High School

Frequently Asked Questions about Brian Smoliak

What company does Brian Smoliak work for?

Brian Smoliak works for Weathervane

What is Brian Smoliak's role at the current company?

Brian Smoliak's current role is Co-Founder.

What is Brian Smoliak's email address?

Brian Smoliak's email address is br****@****rth.org

What schools did Brian Smoliak attend?

Brian Smoliak attended University Of Washington, Creighton University, Eden Prairie Senior High School.

What are some of Brian Smoliak's interests?

Brian Smoliak has interest in Children, Education, Environment, Poverty Alleviation, Science And Technology, Health.

What skills is Brian Smoliak known for?

Brian Smoliak has skills like Climate Change, Research, Science, Data Analysis, Meteorology, Matlab, Statistics, Higher Education, Community Outreach, Atmospheric Science, Public Speaking, Weather Forecasting.

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