Chanda Cooper

What was your career path?

After completing my Hollings internship with the National Weather Service, I earned a master’s degree in earth and environmental resources management with a focus on nature-based education and science communication. I then spent two years as an environmental educator at outdoor education centers before moving into the role of Education Coordinator for the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Columbia, South Carolina, where I continue to serve. In my role with a local SWCD — one of approximately 3,000 SWCDs across the nation — I coordinate conservation programs for farmers, teachers, preK-12 students, and the general public on topics including soil and water conservation, wildlife, forestry, sustainable agriculture, and more. I am also the current board president of the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina — our state’s affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) offsite link.

How did Hollings impact your career path?

During my summer with NOAA and the National Weather Service, I learned a LOT about the essential functions of the NWS and about the direct and important effects weather and climate have on everyone. I also gained valuable experience working in a professional office environment, participating in staff meetings, delivering presentations, and analyzing historical climate data from our state.

Do you still use skills learned during your internship or other aspects of your Hollings experience today?

The Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet) skills I developed during my Hollings internship were game-changers and have saved me countless hours in my academic and professional career! I also never leave home without checking the weather forecast.

What advice do you have for current and future Hollings scholars?

Keep in touch with the friends and colleagues you develop during Hollings — you never know when the opportunity to collaborate with them again may appear! I have reconnected with some of my NWS colleagues several times during the past decade as SWCDs promote participation in the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) offsite link and facilitate the communication of drought status information between farmers and our state climatologist.

What was your favorite or most memorable moment from your Hollings experience?

My favorite day was spent checking in on community weather stations and meeting some of the volunteer weather monitors. It was wonderful to meet some of the community members who were so invested in the work of the NWS!