Charlotte Cockburn (she/her)

About me

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.

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.