- Welcome!
- What's New?
- Contact Me
Biography
Dr. Heinselman's primary research objective is to determine how to best capitalize on phased array radar capabilities to address 21st century forecast and warning needs, including the NOAA Weather and Water strategic mission goal to increase lead time and accuracy for weather and water warnings and forecasts. She is accomplishing this objective through a combination of innovative scanning strategy design, leadership of data collection and analysis activities, active involvement with end users, and graduate student mentorship. Working with radar data has been Dr. Heinselman’s passion, as indicated by her earlier teamwork that was recognized by a NOAA Bronze Medal in 1998 and Silver Medal in 1999 for improvements to NEXRAD algorithms.
In July 2009, Dr. Heinselman was selected for the 2008 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The PECASE Award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government upon outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers. This award recognizes her research and leadership accomplishments in using phased array radar for observing hazardous weather. Subsequently, in October 2009 her Heinselman et al. 2008 paper entitled, "Rapid Sampling of Severe Storms by the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar" was chosen for the OAR Outstanding Paper of the Year Award. In 2010 her publication also won the Professor Dr. Vilho Vaisala Award.
Dr. Heinselman is a Ph.D. graduate of the University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology (2004) and an M.S. and B.S. graduate (1994 and 1992, respectively) of the St. Louis University Depart. of Earth and Atmospheric Science. She is orginally from Westminster, Maryland.
PAR data shows possible link between downdrafts and intensification of mesovortices in QLSC
As people were awakening on April 2, 2010, the Phased Array Radar sampled a fast moving, rapidly evolving QLCS that produced wind damage in central Oklahoma. Some of this damage was associated with a mesovortex embedded within the QLCS. An analysis of the 10 min of storm evolution preceding the intenfication of the mesovortex and onset of wind damage suggests that an intensifying rear-inflow jet and subsequent downdraft contributed to the mesovortex intensification. To learn more about this case study, click here. (2.2MB, pdf)
- Email:
- Pam.Heinselman@noaa.gov
- Phone:
- 405-325-6595
- Address:
- NSSL/RRDD Rm 4905, 120 David L. Boren Boulevard, Norman, OK 73072
2010 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE)
Radar data users weigh in
Researchers conducting the 2010 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment (PARISE) asked operational forecasters to use MPAR data as part of a simulated warning process in an operational environment. They wanted to study the possible impacts of quickly updating radar data on the warning decision making process and how MPAR data may be eventually introduced to the field. Preliminary analysis of one sample simulated case shows participants used rapid updating MPAR data to issue a tornado warning 21 minutes before the tornado touched down. This is a significant increase over the average 14-minute tornado warning lead-time. MPAR has strong potential to aid meteorologists in the forecast and warning decision process, helping to protect the public.
More information on 2010 PARISE: 2011 presentation, click here (111 MB; ppt); 2011 IIPS Conference paper, click here (2MB; pdf)
Since 2007, NSSL has invited NWS forecasters to participate in experiments designed to demonstrate and provide user feedback on PAR weather surveillance capabilities. The evaluations of PAR data given by previous participants have positively impacted PAR research and development.
A presentation showing comparisons of storm evolution depicted by the NWRT PAR and the WSR-88D is available here (39.6 MB; ppt). Click here and here to download accompanying movies.
·