2005 Essay Contest Finalist

Entry by Michael Leff

Atmospheric Scientist

Out of all the geoscientists I want to be an atmospheric scientist. An atmospheric scientist, or operational meteorologist, studies the climate, ozone, solar radiation, pollution and its effects. There are many reasons why I would like to be an atmospheric scientist. As an atmospheric scientist I would have an interesting place to work, I could work with other people and the latest technologist, and I could help people.

I do not like being cooped up in an office or cubicle. As an atmospheric scientist I would be doing a lot of work out in the field. I would get to be outdoors to launch weather balloons several times a day to collect data on things like temperature, wind speed, and humidity in the upper atmosphere. I could travel around to collect air and water samples for information on pollution for companies or the government.

I like working in groups and with new technologies. Meteorologists get their data from satellites, weather balloons, and airplanes. They use things like Doppler radar, and computer models to map and predict weather. Some atmospheric scientists work as consultants to private companies to help improve the amount of pollution they produce. These atmospheric scientists usually work with other scientists and engineers.

There are practical reasons why I would like to be an atmospheric scientist too. The median salary of an atmospheric scientist in 2002 was $60,200.00. That’s a really good salary so I’d be able to support myself. It is expected that the need for atmospheric scientists will increase. Companies will need more consultants to help them keep track of and lower their levels of pollutants to make sure they follow the Clean Air Act.

Probably the main reason I would like to be an atmospheric scientist is that I could help people. I would like to be able to help people by being able to predict hurricanes, help engineers design buildings and levees to better withstand hurricanes, and help get one step closer to reducing global warming. I also think it would be cool to know the weather before most of the people in America do. Weathermen are not always right. I think it would be great to have a job where I get paid even if I’m wrong.