The Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration announced Dr. DaNa L. Carlis, Ph.D., a meteorologist and scientific leader, has been named the director of its National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Okla.
This center, which Carlis will join Jan. 29, is one of the world’s leading sites for the observation and study of severe thunderstorms and other forms of extreme weather, according to a Jan. 11 news release.
“Dr. Carlis shares my commitment to champion diversity and foster professional growth opportunities across the agency. NOAA is fortunate to have a leader with deep scientific expertise and the strong skills to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of NSSL’s culture,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said in the release.
He is the first African American to be named a lab director in NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, the release reported.
Carlis guided a variety of NOAA programs and projects contributing to produce better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters and a greater understanding of the Earth, NOAA assistant administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Steve Thur said, according to the release.
“His leadership experience and passion for research will help NSSL continue to fulfill its mission to help forecasters provide advance warnings of severe weather and save lives,” Thur said, the release reported.
Carlis said he was excited about the chance to lead the team of accomplished scientists and was looking forward to getting out into the field to see research that has been making a difference in peoples’ daily lives, according to the release.
