James Danco Email & Phone Number

Raleigh, North Carolina

New Brunswick, New Jersey

I evaluated the ability of a snow model to simulate snowcover in the very high latitudes of northern Canada and Scandinavia, and used this model to test the effects of changing Earth's orbital parameters such as obliquity on Arctic snowcover. The main question I was trying to answer is whether there could be a scenario where there is consistent snowcover throughout the entire year.For a separate project for a different professor, I am helping to examine the effect of absorbing aerosols from biomass burning in central Africa on cloud cover over Ascension Island. The first step is using the HYSPLIT model to analyze whether the air over Ascension Island is actually coming from this region of Africa where the biomass burning is taking place.

Norman, Oklahoma

In Fall 2015 and Fall 2016, I graded homeworks and exams for METR 2603 (Severe and Unusual Weather). In Spring 2017, I instructed two METR 1014 (Introduction to Weather and Climate) labs, which included grading their lab assignments and quizzes.

Norman, Oklahoma

As a research assistant for Dr. Elinor Martin at the University of Oklahoma, I analyzed the climatology of the Great Plains low-level jet (GPLLJ) and the correlation between the GPLLJ and the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), both in reanalysis/observations and in coupled climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). This was done in order to examine how accurately these climate models are representing GPLLJ climatology and the ENSO - GPLLJ relationship. In addition, I examined factors affecting the ability of the models to simulate the GPLLJ and its relationship with ENSO, including the magnitude of sea surface temperatures associated with ENSO and the influence of ENSO on the atmospheric circulation. I successfully defended my thesis, entitled "Understanding the Features and Mechanisms of the Great Plains Low-Level Jet in CMIP5 Models", in November 2016, and I graduated in December 2016. A manuscript on this research was published in Climate Dynamics.

New Brunswick, New Jersey

I completed a research project with Dr. Anthony Broccoli at Rutgers University which examined the projected influence of climate change on the frequency and intensity of daily snowfall events in the Northern Hemisphere in CMIP5 models. The project also analyzed how the temperature biases of the models are affecting the results. I successfully published a paper on this research in the Journal of Climate. Before starting this work, I completed smaller projects which included examining the variability in climate model projections for temperature and precipitation, analyzing and plotting observed climate data in NJ (air and sea temperature, sea level, growing season length, lake freeze and thaw dates, etc.), and researching mechanisms for past extreme weather events in NJ, including nor'easters and snowstorms.

I took morning weather observations (temperature, precipitation, snow depth, soil moisture, cloud cover, evaporation, etc.) at the Rutgers Gardens weather station, performed quality control to ensure data integrity, and transmitted all elements of these observations into archive databases for official record.

Mount Holly, New Jersey

As a volunteer intern for the NWS in Mount Holly, NJ I performed many of the duties than an entry level job into the NWS would require. This included tasks such as shadowing forecasters, conducting weather map analysis, utilizing AWIPS to perform hydrometeorological analysis and forecasting, collecting and recording local weather observations, decoding METARs, helping issue Area Forecast Discussions and Local Storm Reports, and giving a weather briefing. I also conducted research, visited the KDIX radar, performed a radar checklist, ran the NOAA weather radio test, completed many COMET modules, ran the social media accounts, and communicated with customers and core partners via phone.

Branchburg, New Jersey

I mainly worked as a cashier at the front register, which also included putting people's orders together, cleaning the dining room, stocking condiments, and anything else they needed me to do.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Meteorology, 3.63 Gpa

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Meteorology, 3.90 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Meteorology Club, SEBS Governing Council, Catholic Student Association, RU WeatherWatcher- Graduated Summa Cum.

High School Diploma

Activities and Societies: Marching band, Concert band/Wind Ensemble, Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout), Math League, Academic Team, National Honor.