1. What’s an Instructional Support Specialist? I’m not sure, but here’s how I became one. Ross A. Lazear AMS Career Fair - 4 April 2011

2. It all started when… Weather-obsessed kid growing up in MinnesotaWeather-obsessed kid growing up in Minnesota Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WIBachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WI

3. It all started when… Summer before senior year:Summer before senior year: –Began research project with synoptic professor Michael Morgan My extremely messy research lab

4. Graduate School Master of Science degree at Wisconsin (RA)Master of Science degree at Wisconsin (RA) –Advisor: Michael C. Morgan –Continued research from undergrad, as well as additional projects, several conferences Fourth semester (out of five):Fourth semester (out of five): –TA’ed AOS 101: Weather and Climate –Fell in love with teaching! ….but chose to finish graduate studies with a M.S. (for the time being) ….but chose to finish graduate studies with a M.S. (for the time being) –How can I teach without a Ph.D.?

5. Applying for Jobs Used many job sites:Used many job sites: –Univ. Oklahoma, Penn. State job boards –National Weather Association –AMS –USA Jobs –Indeed.com September 2007: Found Instructor position at Albany!September 2007: Found Instructor position at Albany! January 2008: InterviewedJanuary 2008: Interviewed March 2008: OfferedMarch 2008: Offered May 2008: Moved!May 2008: Moved!

6. How Did I Get the Job? Teaching experience in graduate schoolTeaching experience in graduate school Research in a strong synoptic groupResearch in a strong synoptic group Forecasting experience and ability in the WxChallengeForecasting experience and ability in the WxChallenge

7. How Can You Teach in Atmospheric Science? Jobs like mine are relatively rare…Jobs like mine are relatively rare… –Instructor positions at various Atmos. Sci. programs –Most college-level teaching and/or research jobs require a Ph.D. –I can thank Mike Landin for “creating” my position! Becoming a professor requires:Becoming a professor requires: –Ph.D., and typically a 1-2 yr. Post-doc if research Univ. –Strong research (and publication) background