MWOBS Internship: Research, Forecasting, Communications, and a Race up the Auto Road

Hello, my name is Myah Rather, and I am super excited to be a summit intern with the Observatory this summer! Mount Washington is a big change of scenery for me, as I am from Prince George’s County, MD, located just 20 minutes from the U.S. Capital. I recently graduated from Pennsylvania State University in May with a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. In the fall, I will be heading to Howard University to pursue their graduate school program and further explore my passion for atmospheric science.

The exceptional opportunity to engage in research, forecasting, and weather communications all in one internship is what drew me to the summit. Although my initial dream in meteorology was focused on communications, over time and through various internships, I have developed a strong interest in the research side of things. I currently maintain a You Tube channel dedicated to undergraduate studies, so I have never fully abandoned my passion for communications. However, I relish any chance to combine the worlds of science and communications.

I am thrilled that this internship opportunity allows me to do just that and more. One of the things I enjoy most on the summit is waking up early to provide weather warnings to others. Additionally, gaining insights into how to forecast in the world’s worst weather laboratory has been an invaluable experience. After four years of studying weather in textbooks, I couldn’t envision a more rewarding internship.

Furthermore, I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful welcoming team this summer, including Jay, Alex, and Stephanie, all of whom contribute to creating an enjoyable learning environment at the summit. Exploring Mount Washington Observatory’s seasonal weather, rime ice, and the specific tools they use, such as pitot tubes, has been truly fascinating and visually immersive.

In my spare time, I find joy in running and playing with my dog, Pyrocumulonimbus Cloud. Just this week, I participated in the Mt. Washington Road Race!

Embarking on the seven-mile run filled me with immense excitement, especially as I soaked in the breathtaking scenery. Despite the rain that accompanied me as I neared the summit, I still appreciated the ethereal fog and the enchanting mist created by nature as I ascended the mountain. It was a captivating experience to compete in a race up the Northeast’s highest peak, all while being enveloped in a cloud. This weekend’s adventure was truly one-of-a-kind and left me feeling fulfilled. I am incredibly excited that Mount Washington offers not only stunning landscapes but also incredible learning opportunities in the field of meteorology and atmospheric science.