What motivated you to apply for a Fulbright award?

I had won a previous Fulbright and found it to be an invaluable experience. My research focus had changed to some extent, and I wished to explore various aspects of a low-level jet stream along the Benguela Coast of Africa, a jet stream I had been the first to identify. I hoped that a Global Scholar Award would allow me to focus on further study of this feature from several different perspectives and would allow me to gain access to important data for this research.

Describe the importance and reach of the research and/or teaching you did while on Fulbright?

Two months of my Fulbright were spent at a research institute in Namibia. They hosted numerous student and tour groups. Being there, I was asked to give many lectures to these groups and also to the public in nearby Swakopmond. This allowed me to portray the importance of understanding the desert environment and bringing forth knowledge of climate change.

Advice for anyone considering the Fulbright award

Absolutely go for it. Look carefully about what is available and see what best suits your interests. Talk to other Fulbrighters about how to write a successful application. Make contact with people in the place you hope to go.

Accomplishments

Faculty Award for Women (1991-1996), National Science Foundation (Special awards program, one of only ten in all the geosciences)

Hugh Robert Mill Medal from the Royal Meteorological Society (United Kingdom) (2001)

Humboldt Research Award from the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2019)

FSU Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor (2020/21)