We develop these tools in tandem with the forecasters. They know what they're looking for from us to aid the forecasting problem.

What we're doing is fusing together images through the use of multiple satellites. Each satellite has its own view of the Earth, and we're piecing many of them together for a more complete picture.

It gives us an idea of exactly where they initiate over the African continent and their convective structure as they track over the ocean.

Back then forecasters didn't have satellites or even land-based radar. All they had were ships at sea.

Seeing them develop is very satisfying,

I was on significant financial aid, an only child, with parents who didn't have much living in North Carolina.