Jessica Skocinski is one of our new Fall 2023 graduate students, however, she is not a new University of Illinois student. Jessica was an undergraduate here for 4 years and is now on her way to being what she has dreamt about: an operational forecaster and, per Jessica, “especially in aviation”. Jessica has a penchant for the friendly skies as she is also learning to become a pilot, taking lessons on flying small-engine aircraft. She has several hours of flight time under her belt already and is looking forward to getting more time logged. Jessica isn’t the only one in her household that takes to the air; she is the proud caretaker of three feathered friends. She is in the midst of trying to tame them into sitting on her finger.
The sky seems to make up a large part of Jessica’s life. Her current research focuses on one of the most amazing but deadly entities to come from there: the tornado. She is working on increased warning efficiency times for tornadoes, particularly, “long-track tornadoes which tend to be deadlier than short-track tornadoes.” She is also interested in updating the weather exhibit of the Museum of Science and Technology in Chicago. This young lady has set her sights high which goes right along with our running theme.
We asked Jessica what initially drew her to UIUC and the Atmospheric Sciences Department? “I was impressed with the quality of the Atmospheric Sciences program while in undergrad, especially with the various opportunities for field research now that we have the DOWs.”
By all accounts, Jessica has a full schedule, but she does find time for some relaxing activities in her week. She enjoys weaving chainmail and visiting Krannert Center to enjoy a play. Jessica also is a fan of the band, “Talking Heads,” particularly their tunes, “The Great Curve” and “Born Under Punches.”
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Jessica, and for staying at “home” a while longer. The University of Illinois and Atmospheric Sciences are glad you did!
