Charlotte Cockburn standing in front of signs indicating distance to a variety of locations from Alert, Nunavut.

Charlotte Cockburn at the weather monitoring station in Alert, in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. This station is located on Ellesmere Island, 817 kilometres from the North Pole.

Charlotte Cockburn (she/her)

Physical Scientist

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Created On: July 28, 2023
Sector:
Government and Public Administration,  Science
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Ecology,  Ecosystems,  Earth Science,  Climate,  Weather,  Environmental Science,  Climate change,  Sustainability
Readability:
7.8

Learn About My Career

I make sure we can monitor the weather all across Canada.

I was born/grew up in: Wakefield, Quebec

I now live in: Montreal, Quebec

I completed my training/education at: I got a Bachelor of Science in Earth System Science from McGill University, and then a Master of Science from Dartmouth College.

We work with a bunch of specialized equipment. This includes thermometers to measure air temperature, rain gauges, and pressure sensors. I use math and statistics to analyze data. I help make sure that the information we send out is of high quality. For example, if we want to install a new air temperature sensor, we have to test it out first to make sure everything is working correctly.

With my team, I update important documentation and write technical reports on the status of our monitoring network. We connect with regional offices and partner agencies to make sure all information about our sensors is up-to-date and everything is working correctly.

My role is mainly an office job. However, sometimes I get to go out into the field to observe the installation and maintenance and our sensors. For example, last summer I got to go up to Nunavut to drop some weather monitoring buoys into the Arctic Ocean out of an airplane!

I always loved math and science when I was growing up. I knew I wanted to go to university for something STEM-y. When I first got to McGill, I thought I would major in physics, because I loved problem solving. However, after taking a few physics classes, I found it was getting way too abstract for my liking. I took an environmental science class as an elective during my first year of university. I fell in love with it! I love that I can use all these complex math and science concepts and apply them to real-world, physical events. 

After graduating, I decided to get a Master’s degree to further my education. I had already learned a lot about climate issues. This helped me decide to specialize in climate and atmospheric science. My Master’s thesis focused on the relationship between climate change and flooding. When it came time for me to find a job, I applied to Environment and Climate Change Canada. ECCC is a large organization with many different branches of science for people of all backgrounds.

Currently, I work for the Meteorological Service of Canada. We are basically responsible for monitoring the weather (e.g. rain, wind, temperature, etc.) all across Canada. We also make sure this data gets to researchers, modelers, forecasters, and the Canadian public. This work has been very interesting and fulfilling. I am part of a large team of scientists working to protect our environment and the people living in it.

I have always loved problem solving! I find it to be super fun to apply those skills to such important work. I enjoy troubleshooting any issues we have with our sensors. I love working with partner organizations to make our work more widely available. It also feels good to be working in the environmental sciences. This is because protecting our planet is one of the most important tasks we have in this world.

Collecting weather data is super important to the health and safety of people across Canada and the world. The work that we do helps people like you decide whether to grab an umbrella before leaving the house. It also helps international scientists identify changes in our shifting climate!

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and cycling. I also enjoy crafting (knitting, crocheting, embroidery… basically all the grandma hobbies!)

If you are interested in the environmental sciences, DO IT!! We need more bright minds working to better understand our natural world and how we can better protect it.

What I do at work

We work with a bunch of specialized equipment. This includes thermometers to measure air temperature, rain gauges, and pressure sensors. I use math and statistics to analyze data. I help make sure that the information we send out is of high quality. For example, if we want to install a new air temperature sensor, we have to test it out first to make sure everything is working correctly.

With my team, I update important documentation and write technical reports on the status of our monitoring network. We connect with regional offices and partner agencies to make sure all information about our sensors is up-to-date and everything is working correctly.

My role is mainly an office job. However, sometimes I get to go out into the field to observe the installation and maintenance and our sensors. For example, last summer I got to go up to Nunavut to drop some weather monitoring buoys into the Arctic Ocean out of an airplane!

My career path is

I always loved math and science when I was growing up. I knew I wanted to go to university for something STEM-y. When I first got to McGill, I thought I would major in physics, because I loved problem solving. However, after taking a few physics classes, I found it was getting way too abstract for my liking. I took an environmental science class as an elective during my first year of university. I fell in love with it! I love that I can use all these complex math and science concepts and apply them to real-world, physical events. 

After graduating, I decided to get a Master’s degree to further my education. I had already learned a lot about climate issues. This helped me decide to specialize in climate and atmospheric science. My Master’s thesis focused on the relationship between climate change and flooding. When it came time for me to find a job, I applied to Environment and Climate Change Canada. ECCC is a large organization with many different branches of science for people of all backgrounds.

Currently, I work for the Meteorological Service of Canada. We are basically responsible for monitoring the weather (e.g. rain, wind, temperature, etc.) all across Canada. We also make sure this data gets to researchers, modelers, forecasters, and the Canadian public. This work has been very interesting and fulfilling. I am part of a large team of scientists working to protect our environment and the people living in it.

I am motivated by

I have always loved problem solving! I find it to be super fun to apply those skills to such important work. I enjoy troubleshooting any issues we have with our sensors. I love working with partner organizations to make our work more widely available. It also feels good to be working in the environmental sciences. This is because protecting our planet is one of the most important tasks we have in this world.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Collecting weather data is super important to the health and safety of people across Canada and the world. The work that we do helps people like you decide whether to grab an umbrella before leaving the house. It also helps international scientists identify changes in our shifting climate!

Outside of work I

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and cycling. I also enjoy crafting (knitting, crocheting, embroidery… basically all the grandma hobbies!)

My advice to others

If you are interested in the environmental sciences, DO IT!! We need more bright minds working to better understand our natural world and how we can better protect it.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Computer Science
  • Geography
  • Science
  • Math

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Always wanted to be outside
  • Liked helping people
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Liked being given specific instructions
  • Liked reading
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Learned best by doing

Partners

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Let’s Talk Science appreciates the support of Environment and Climate Change Canada in connecting us with this individual.

ECCC is the lead federal department for a wide range of environmental issues. The department’s work focuses on minimizing threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution; helping Canadians make informed decisions on weather, water and climate conditions; and conserving and restoring Canada’s natural environment. ECCC works to ensure a clean, safe and sustainable environment for present and future generations.

Related Topics

Careers Climate Change Data Analysis Data Collection Environment Environmental Monitoring SDG13-Climate Change Sustainability Weather

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen