I am a research meteorologist, data scientist, and mother who is passionate about empowering others with knowledge so they can make the best decision for their family and their situation. Weather affects all of us and can make the difference between paying the bills and putting food on the table. I strive to help people better interpret weather data so they can leverage it for their business or personal needs. I grew up on a family farm in Minnesota where I learned dedication, strong work ethic, and how crucial weather is to our lives and livelihoods. My passion for weather began before my memories even start. As a little girl, I daydreamed at the clouds and matter-of-factly told my mother that I would study those clouds one day. My dream of becoming a meteorologist was in my DNA. At age 12, I discovered my grandfather had wanted to study meteorology but his dream stayed just that as he continued to farm until his death. Two years later, a lightning strike changed my family's lives forever. Our home was struck and partially burnt leaving lives in flux to this day. Many of my cherished weather books were burnt, melted, stained or soaked with water. But I was given a path for my studies. I've researched lightning and weather radar for the past 16 years, striving to answer the questions of how, where and why in order to help others.