People - GLOBE Observer
Dr. Lin Chambers
Where are you from?
Hampton, Virginia.
What do you do?
I am currently the Lead for Education and Communication in the Science Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center. In this role, I lead efforts to connect our organization’s cutting edge atmospheric science research to students and the public. We do this through projects such as GLOBE and MY NASA DATA.
What missions are you involved in and how do they relate to GLOBE Observer?
I have been a member of the CERES (Clouds and Earth’s Radiative Energy System) science team, which is working to assess the effect of clouds on Earth’s energy budget. Hence, cloud observations from around the world are of great interest. I also work with the CALIPSO mission, which uses active remote sensing to detect thin cloud and aerosol (i.e., dust) layers around the world.
What was your career path?
I am trained as an aeronautical/aerospace engineer, and spent about 10 years working on problems relating to spacecraft entering various planetary atmospheres (including Earth). I moved into atmospheric science in the mid-1990s, taking my experience with radiative transfer to new applications. Over time I have worked to engage others in our efforts to understand the details of Earth’s atmosphere.
Why is citizen science important to you?
Scientists cannot possibly be everywhere all the time to observe our environment, so engaging citizen observers is a very helpful way to get additional insight into Earth-system processes. Helping people see their environment in new ways is a great additional benefit.
What advice do you have for people just getting into citizen science?
Don’t be afraid to try new things; you will learn by doing.
What do you do for fun?
I like to play volleyball and take long walks with my dog.
Who/what inspires you?
The awesome beauty of our living planet.
Any favorite quote(s) that you would like to share?
My favorite quote is: “…clouds are expressions of the atmosphere’s moods, and can be read like those of a person’s countenance.” --The Cloud Appreciation Society
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