Keelie Steiner

Name: Keelie Steiner 

Hometown: Sharpsville, PA 

Anticipated graduation: Spring 2024 

Major(s): Meteorology 

Minor: Mathematics and Emergency Management 

 

Internships/Research/Projects:

At Millersville, I was involved in the NASA IMPACTS research project from Winter 2022 to Spring 2023. Also, I am currently working on my undergraduate thesis, which is studying particulate matter of the size 2.5 microns in Mae Hong Son, Thailand and its relation to air quality. My thesis is titled “An Analysis of Particulate Matter of the Size 2.5 Microns and Public Health in Mae Hong Son, Thailand and a Review of Air Quality Legislation” and will be presented at the Annual Student Conference for the American Meteorological Society in January 2024 and defended in Spring 2024. Furthermore, I am in the process of designing an air quality experiment that will look to study traffic emissions along U.S. Route 30 with implications for local public health.  

Outside of my research at Millersville, I was awarded NOAA’s Lapenta Student Internship, which I completed over this past summer. I worked for the Climate Program Office and specifically with the Earth’s Radiation Budget Program (ERB). Over the course of the summer, I conducted several literature reviews, completed citation maps, and created a graphic for visualizing the ERB’s portfolio, which will be live on their website (tentatively) in November 2023. In addition, I had the opportunity to attend the media day for the joint NOAA and NASA field campaign called AEROMMA in Dayton, Ohio, where I toured NASA aircraft, shadowed NOAA’s Chief Scientist, and networked with scientists from all different sectors.  

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

I have always had a love for math and science and have been curious about weather since a young age. My grandpa loved watching the radars for hours, and wanting to be Papa’s girl, I would always watch them with him. Then, in the fourth grade, we did a unit on clouds, and from there, I was hooked. As I have matured in my studies and coming out of the pandemic, I have found myself intrigued by atmospheric chemistry, and that is where my passion has flourished.  

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):

I have had many highlights throughout my career here at Millersville, but I will list a few that have resonated with me and my future decisions. In Spring 2023, I took Boundary Layer Meteorology, and we had the opportunity to fly kites with kestrels attached in order to profile the boundary layer. My group chose to study urban heating in the Lancaster area, which was a great field experience and gave me exposure to different types of instruments and equipment. For Fall 2024, I am learning how to run the WRF-CHEM Model. It is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Also, the entire undergraduate thesis process has been something I have cherished and has really shaped my future research interests. Lastly, the Lapenta Internship was something I will always remember. From networking with professionals and students to my project and every other aspect that fell in between, the internship was an amazing opportunity to grow as a scientist while also shaping my career in the way that the future of science is progressing. 

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

I think the biggest takeaway I have received from my time in the department is to take advantage of every opportunity presented. Yes, it can become a lot all at once, but learning how to balance course work with field and research experience along with other aspects has made me a better student in the sense of time management, experience, and knowledge. It is hands-on learning that has guided me to areas of interest and showed me all that I can do with my degree.  

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

This was a piece of advice that I was given during my internship experience, so the Lapenta Internship is awarded in the memory of Dr. Bill Lapenta. He was known for telling younger generations to be “uncomfortable” in a changing world. Learning and growing is not defined in the ability to remain stagnant in what makes you comfortable but rather in exploring opportunities that are unfamiliar and challenging, and Millersville is a great place to be uncomfortable in new opportunities while having a strong support system to help you along the way. 

Aspirations (upon graduation):

After graduation, I plan on entering into a Ph.D. program in atmospheric chemistry with a specific focus on air quality. My long-term goal is to be an undergraduate professor. 

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?  

I am hoping that my air quality project along U.S. Route 30 turns out to be the most significant and exciting piece of my work due to its implications for the local community. With my passion for air quality research, I think this project has the potential to bridge the gap between scientific research and communication with the public, on a local scale. My goal for this project is to get a brief sampling of traffic emissions and analyze the aerosols and pollutants within the samples in order to draw conclusions on the risk these emissions present to the surrounding community. It is exciting in the sense that I am designing, executing, analyzing, and discussing the experiment and findings (with guidance from my research mentor, Dr. Greg Blumberg) as an undergraduate, and knowing the demand for air quality research, it has me eager to see the results and how this applies to the community. 

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University

I was awarded the MU Presidential Scholarship.