First Thoughts from a Summit Intern

2012-05-27 19:39:04.000 – Adam Brainard,  Summit Intern

View of the Observatory from Homestretch

What a great few days! My name is Adam Brainard, and I am the second of the two summer interns working on this shift at the observatory! I little about myself, I am a junior meteorology major at Valparaiso University, and plan on pursuing a career in meteorological operations (forecasting), perhaps with a focus in the aviation industry. I am certainly honored to be learning how to forecast and observe weather in such a dynamic, beautiful location!

Although this is my first week on the summit, I have already seen and learned a lot! Wednesday (5/23) was my first day on the summit, and I was thrilled to see the clouds move out and have a chance to go for a hike with fellow intern, Christopher Gregg, to the Lake of the Clouds (see his post and picture from Friday). Thursday was an intensive training day, as I learned how to give tours and write and record forecasts. Friday I received training on a weather form called the B16, learned the retail portion of my job, and was introduced to the observatory’s massive photography archive. Saturday I worked extensively with the B16 archive, rehearsed my evening forecast technique with staff observer Ryan Knapp, and managed to record the finalized evening forecast unassisted. Today I gave two tours, spent some time in the bustling gift shop, and worked on the B16 archive as time allowed. All in all, I’m having a great time contributing to the observatory’s mission, interacting with visiting observatory members, and enjoying the great views and opportunities Mount Washington has to offer!

Adam Brainard,  Summit Intern