Diane Stanitski

Dr. Diane Stanitski is the deputy director for planning and administration at the NOAA Global Monitoring Division (GMD), which conducts research on greenhouse gases, carbon cycle feedbacks, clouds, aerosols and other atmospheric subjects. She also serves as the acting chief for the GMD Radiation and Aerosol Group.

What drew you to your current career or field?

Definitely a fascination with weather and climate. I have always been intrigued by the climate cycles and our daily interactions with the weather.  A career involving activities that have a significant impact on society makes it meaningful coming to work each day.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy working with world-renowned scientists on cutting edge climate science that is of utmost importance to our global community, especially as it relates to issues such as climate change, sea level rise, and extreme events.

What’s been your favorite (or proudest) moment in your career so far? 

Favorite moments in my career include teaching environmental science field courses and taking university students to the Grand Canyon, Australia, and Vietnam. I love working with and encouraging young adults, especially witnessing how female students who were introduced to hands-on field projects actually changed their career path to the sciences! 

What do you hope to accomplish in the future? What do you hope the future for women in science looks like?

I see my current and future role as an enabler of science and supporter of those around me, providing encouragement and opportunities to earlier career staff members.  My hope is that women’s voices will be fully heard and respected.

Looking back, what would you tell yourself when you were 12 years old? Or what advice would you give to a woman just starting out in her career?

I would tell my 12-year-old self, “Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.”  Fortunately, science attracts outstanding, committed people who are willing to help you throughout your career.