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DeNa Carlis’ new role at NSSL is a historic homecoming

Dr. DeNa Carlis is breaking barriers as the first African-American to lead NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The laboratory studies severe weather from tornadoes to winter weather. The National Weather Service uses their research to warn us and keep us safe from disruptive weather events.


What You Need To Know

  • DeNa Carlis is first African-American to be named NSSL director
  • Carlis co-founded NOAA’s Diversity and Professional Advancement
  • He holds 3 degrees from Howard University
  • Point 4 goes here

NOAA appointed him to the role in Jan. 2023. Carlis is the first black man to be named a lab director.

We spoke to the new NSSL director about his historic appointment, his future for the NSSL and how he plans to inspire more Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) in meteorology.

Historic accomplishment

“It feels amazing! I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this capacity as director of the National Severe Storms Laboratory,” said Carlis, describing his accomplishment.

A few years ago, the NSSL Director didn’t think he’d be taking this path in his career. However, he said he was striving for an opportunity to be a leader of science within NOAA.

Carlis is excited to take on this role and inspire the next generation of science leaders.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to uplift others with the BIPOC community that can serve in this capacity. It’s been a passion of mine to help and develop the next generation workforce,” said Carlis.

Over his 20-year career, Carlis led efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within NOAA. He’s the co-founder of NOAA’s Diversity and Professional Advancement Working Group (DPAWG).

Eight members of NOAA’s Diversity and Professional Advancement Working Group. Clockwise from the top left: Vankita Brown, John Moore, Terence Lynch, Maddie Kennedy, DaNa Carlis, Lonnie Gonsalves, Ashley Turnbull, and Janae Elkins. (NOAA)

Carlis knows how big of a deal it is to be the first African-American to lead this agency.

“I’m a firm believer that there are more talented people than me out there that will deserve this opportunity and probably have deserved it in the past. So, that I’m the first is humble.. but you know I got to continue to strive for change and NOAA is right behind me in terms of diversity, inclusion and equity in our senior leadership ranks,” Carlis told Spectrum News.

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. supports Carlis’ mission.

Spinard gave this statement in a news release.

“NOAA is fortunate to have a leader with deep scientific expertise and the strong skills to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of NSSL’s culture,” said Spinard.

Back to his roots

The new role is a homecoming for Carlis, who grew up in Tulsa. Carlis is happy to be back in his hometown and doing what he loves.

“I am going to full circle, returning to my roots of being in Oklahoma…. I have kept myself grounded on who I am and where I come from,” said Carlis.

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The NSSL director credits his mentors with sparking his passion for science.

“It was mentors that really drew me in and after that first course in atmospheric science I fell in love with it because it was so applicable to people’s everyday lives,” Carlis recounted.

He also takes great pride in graduating from Howard University, a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) in Washington D.C.

“The main thing that really helped me… that I really needed was the support system. I needed to believe in me, I needed to be supported by people that was going to help raise me up and make sure and hold me accountable for being excellent, being a high achiever… that’s what Howard University gave to me,” Carlis told us.

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