Scientific Mentors
Dr. Robin L. Tanamachi
Postdoctoral Researcher
Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms, University of Oklahoma
Tornadoes, severe storms, radar data analysis, storm chasing
Dr. Tanamachi earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at University of Wisconsin at Madison in 2001. She continued her educational career by earning her Master of Science (M.S.) in 2004 and her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2011, both at the University of Oklahoma.
She analyzed data collected by mobile Doppler radars, using these data to re-create storms and tornadoes inside of a computer. She models the complex air flows in and around tornadoes, and studies how they change with time. She is curious to learn what causes tornadoes to form, but also what causes them to change shape, strengthen, weaken, and finally decay. She spends her day doing computer programming, making graphics, and writing. A few times a year, she travels to scientific conferences to share her findings with other scientists. During the spring (tornado season), she may spend a few days to a few weeks on the road with mobile Doppler radar teams, collecting data in severe storms. The group hopes to catch storms in the act of producing tornadoes and collect data while this is happening. Scientific storm chasing is a difficult task that requires a lot of patience and skill. Mathematics, physics, and computer science are a must for anyone wanting to do severe storms research as a career.
Her hobbies include storm chasing, amateur radio, cycling, painting, and videography.
