Women's History Month Spotlight - Mariama Feaster

Mariama Feaster, Senior Meteorology Major

Jackson State University

Hi! 

We have a very special guest for our first ever blog on STEMBrains.org. Meet Mariama Feaster a Senior Meteorology major at Jackson State University. I met Mariama during Jackson State University’s Meteorology Program 40th Reunion Celebration. Every five years, meteorology program alumni return to host a conference filled with professional development and networking opportunities for students and alumni. Mariama, a freshman, introduced herself to me and I immediately saw something special. She was very inquisitive and began to use the advice she was given, especially about mentoring and networking at the conference. I knew from that moment her career would go far and I’m so excited to share her journey as a woman college student in STEM. Mariama will be a joy to work with and a true gem for her future employer. 

-Laurita Alomassor, CEO STEMBrains, Inc

Read her guest blog below.

Since the age of seven, I knew that I wanted to have a career in meteorology.  Growing up in Jacksonville, FL I experienced various weather events, such as thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tropical storms and depressions. I eventually grew madly in love with The Weather Channel, watching it nearly every day. I watched a lot of documentaries on The Weather Channel and gained more knowledge about severe weather. I learned how various weather events affected communities, physically and economically. Watching these documentaries, inspired me to further pursue a career in meteorology, with a focus on severe weather. Severe weather and instrumentation have become my favorite areas of research. Also, I have completed several internships that have given me opportunities to develop my interests and to experience hands-on approaches to learning and solving meteorological problems.

Why is diversity in STEM important to you?

I am a natural problem solver. I love how science is used to solve the what, the why, and the how. It helps me to understand how everything works and the way it is. I believe diversity in STEM is important because it brings out creativity, which allows more opportunities in various places for communities to better understand and learn more about STEM. 

What is your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was when I first built a lightning instrument at University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) during my Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) internship.

What advice would you give to youth who are interested in your career field?

"Take the time to explore yourself and how high you want your future career to go. Once there, do not stop."

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to do one last internship during the summer and then start graduate school in the Fall. I am still undecided about which school I will attend but my choices are the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Texas Tech University and the University of Houston.

What was your favorite internship?

My favorite internship was ATMO REU at Texas A&M University, because I was able to storm chase and create the lightning project.

What was your favorite class at JSU?

My favorite class was Introduction to Meteorology. My professor, Dr. Reddy, was very informative and made the class fun.

What does your dream job look like?

My dream job is to be a Meteorological Technician. I want to work with meteorological instrumentation during severe weather.

Do you believe your mentors helped you and how did they help?

Yes, they pushed me to improve my research skills. They also helped me to explore other opportunities outside of meteorology to get more accumulated about other sciences such as geology, climate, etc.

What keeps you grounded?

My family. They have always supported my dreams since I was 7 years old and they continue to make sure I reach my goals.

What phrase do you use to motivate yourself?  

"Yes, I got it." 

What's something special about you that no one knows?

When I was little, I cried during my family bowling game after losing. Haha.