I joined Channel 9 as weekend meteorologist in August, 2007. I grew up in Castle Rock, Colorado just outside of Denver. There is no single weather event that was the defining moment in choosing meteorology as a career because I found any and all weather events fascinating, and going to college to learn more was a given.

I graduated from the University Of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) with a degree in Atmospheric Science. During school my enthusiasm for the science led me to teach an introductory class, publish research dealing with Rocky Mountain thunderstorm initiation, and find my first job in television, as well as dabbing into air pollution and wind energy.

My career made a brief stop in Topeka and then off to Wichita before coming to Orlando. My time in Kansas certainly will remain memorable. I worked the night southwest Lawrence was hit by a tornado (nearly destroying my apartment at the time). I also worked the night of the Greensburg tornado when the small Kansas town was completely destroyed.

My work in Kansas earned an Emmy nomination and an award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. I hold a seal of approval from the National Weather Association, and I am the twelfth in the country to earn the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation by the American Meteorological Society.

My enthusiasm for learning more brings me to Central Florida, which poses its own weather challenges. I love aviation, so if my eyes are pointing straight up it may be a cloud or a passing jet...Orlando is perfect for both! Also, I enjoy working with Orange County Public Schools as a Read2Succeed mentor.

Have a weather-related question or comment? E-mail Matt