Dr. Alan Nierow
Atmospheric & Oceanic Scientist
1119 S. Mission Road, Suite 331
Fallbrook, California 92028
Phone: (775) 636-8553
Fax: (775) 636-8430
Email: Nierow@weatherextreme.com
Web Site: www.weatherextreme.com
EDUCATION:
Ph.D., Meteorology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. 1983
M.S., Meteorology, New York University, New York, NY. 1973
B.A., Mathematics, University of Miami, Coral Cables, FL. 1971
SUMMARY:
Dr. Nierow is currently supporting WeatherExtreme as a Forensic Meteorologist. He was
involved with the Booz Allen Hamilton’s International Aviation Team as a Subject Matter
Expert (SME) for weather. In this role, he was assisting the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA’s) and National Weather Service (NWS) weather programs. Dr. Nierow was Assistant
Chief Meteorologist /System Engineer for the FAA for over 10 years. This included working
with government and non-government personnel in developing research requirements and
proposing solutions for enhancements to current and new FAA weather systems. He has over
25 years experience as a Program Manager in weather training and research for the NWS. In
addition, Dr. Nierow was a forecaster at the NWS Washington Office. These positions, along
with his doctorate in meteorology, have given him a broad and diversified knowledge in
weather training and research, system engineering, and experience working with different
government and non-government agencies.
EXPERIENCE:
WeatherExtreme Ltd
December 2012-Present. Senior Atmospheric and Oceanic Consultant
Forensic Meteorologist:
 Reconstructed past weather events to determine if weather was a factor in various
aircraft accidents
 Researched data for aviation case preparation reports utilizing various sources of data,
including
aviation forecasts, surface and upper air observations, and the interpretation of satellite
and
NEXRAD data.
 Submitted findings to the company for their use in court
Computer Sciences Corporation
December 2011-Present. Senior Meteorologist



Developed requirements for AWIPS II and visited NWS Forecast offices to obtain their
input.
Provided various recommendations and methodologies in training NWS forecasters on
AWIPS
Assisted in writing proposals for future NOAA awards.
Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA
March 2008–November 2012, Senior Consultant
Dr. Nierow was the Weather Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Booz Allen.

Supported the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program For the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Developed weather documentations for NextGen weather by writing various
sections, providing input, and making modifications.

Worked with the NWS and FAA in writing and editing various 4D Weather Data
Cube documents. This included defining the 4D Weather Single Authoritative
Source (SAS) concepts, and the weather elements that will be input to the 4D
Weather Data cube.
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 Prepared an Aviation Weather class that was given to FAA engineers. This class
discussed basic aviation weather and the affect weather hazards have on the
different stages of flight. Finally, a section was presented on how the NextGen
Weather program mitigated these hazards. This class was also given to JPDO and
BAH personnel.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supporting the Catastrophic Planning
group.

Developed a Space Weather Hazard Analysis presentation and report. It discussed:
o The hazards associated with space weather events.
o The effect on the health and welfare of the American public.
o Recommendations on potential next steps that should be done to mitigate space
weather hazards.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Air Traffic Organization and Planning
(ATOP),
Dr. Nierow was the Assistant Chief Meteorologist /System Engineer (January 1998 to
December 2007) for the FAA.
 By utilizing system engineering principles and practices, transferred applied
meteorological research from various agencies into FAA operations. Developed oceanic
and en-route convective forecast products that several agencies have evaluated. These
products have demonstrated improvement in the forecasting of en-route and oceanic
thunderstorms for FAA/Airline personnel and NWS meteorologists. These products have
also provided direct benefits to several government agencies by enhancing collaborative
decision-making and situational awareness between meteorologists, controllers, and
pilots. Received outstanding ratings for developing an oceanic lightning product that is
operational and being used for aircraft flight operations.
 Served as a Subject Matter Expert to the FAA on meteorology and weather systems.
Employed meteorological expertise and system engineering theory while supporting the
FAA with their work on architecture engineering. Developed and modified the System
Capabilities document for weather systems. Wrote several papers defining the
capabilities for convective weather for terminal, en-route, and oceanic domains and
presented these papers at AMS conferences.
 As FAA team lead for the Lightning Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), provided
scientific input to the group in awarding the enhanced lightning contract to a vendor.
Collaborated with the FAA Research and Requirements Divisions and other agencies
(NWS, Department of Defense, and NASA) to determine which vendor met and exceeded
FAA and other agencies’ lightning requirements.
 Participated on a Space Weather Technical committee. Contributed to writing various
documents (ConOps) defining the requirements for space weather information and how
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they will be incorporated into the operational decision making process.
 Since engineers and scientists who develop and test FAA Weather Systems have very little
or no weather knowledge, Dr. Nierow initiated and created Aviation Weather Courses
(basic and advanced) for FAA technical and non-technical personnel. The basic course
focused on fronts/jet streams, thunderstorms, and aviation hazards. The advanced course
discussed FAA weather systems, meteorological weather research and how weather
impacts the National Airspace System (NAS). It was intended for scientists and
engineers. Both of these courses have been converted into interactive resources through
the online FAA training courses. In recognition for the development of these on-line
training weather courses, he received several commendations and cash awards. He also
presented both “live” courses to over 500 FAA employees since the fall of 1998 to FAA
Headquarters, FAA Centers, and Regions.
 Assisted in the development of the System Engineering Manual (e.g., requirements
management, functional analysis, etc.), which described the proper application of SE
elements within the FAA.
National Weather Service (NWS), Dr. Nierow had various Meteorologist positions in
the NWS from June 1973 to December 1997.

Project Leader for the Training Program for the NWS.


Developed the official "NEXRAD Training Radar" document that was utilized in
every NWS Forecast Office. Coordinated this effort with the research centers of the
federal government and the NWS forecasters. The document provided technical
expertise on the structure and development of severe storms, Doppler radar
concepts, forecasting techniques, and the limitations and advantages of all the
NEXRAD algorithms.
Planned and conducted all aspects of training, which pertained to operational
forecasting, severe thunderstorms radar interpretation, numerical weather
prediction models, and satellite meteorology.

Developed courses and exams for NWS meteorologists in employing the latest
techniques in aviation forecasting, utilizing radar and satellite meteorology, and
understanding how to use weather models for forecasting. Initiated and conducted
weather classes (from hurricanes to winter storms) for children (elementary to high
school). Judged several high school science fairs and taught a basic weather class for
the NWS Observer Program.

Prepared various training courses on the latest NWS techniques in forecasting severe
and aviation weather for NWS Eastern Region Forecast Offices. These courses were
also presented to the students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Madison,
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WI.
 Project Supervisor for the Research Development Group for the NWS


Tested, validated and made enhancements to the algorithms that are used in the
vertical boundary layers of mesoscale and microscale models to predict temperature,
moisture, and wind profiles. This effort led to numerous awards for improving the
freezing rain/snow forecasts for east coast winter storms.

Utilized subjective techniques and objective (weather model) research results from
NWS scientists and other sources, and applied them to operational forecasting.
Directed computer personnel and operational meteorologists in testing, evaluating,
and implementing NWS' automated forecast verification programs.

Provided forecasters with the latest advances in research meteorology and was
responsible for incorporating the research results into forecast operations.

Developed and utilized algorithms to test and validate regional and climate
prediction models.
Forecaster at the NWS Washington Forecast Office.
 Composed operational forecast products for the Aviation, Marine, and Public
programs. Provided the public with weather watches and warnings (e.g. severe
weather). Received a number of Bronze Medal group awards for outstanding severe
weather and winter storms forecasts.
 Developed programs to utilize ASOS (surface) data and vertical model sounding to
forecast the type of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain) that will affect
the highways. Also, produced forecast algorithms to enhance the prediction of the
onset as well as the end of precipitation (frozen and non- frozen).
Dr. Nierow was an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Meteorology at Suffolk College (NY)
during the 1989-1990 academic year. He developed and taught several undergraduate and
graduate courses in basic and applied meteorology. This included Basic Meteorology courses
for non-science majors as well as advanced meteorology courses in the Physical Science
Department.
Dr. Nierow was a certified High School Mathematics teacher. He has tutored students in
Mathematics (arithmetic, algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus) throughout his professional
career.
General comment: While working at the NWS and FAA, I utilized system
engineering practices and advanced meteorology principles to transfer applied
meteorological research for NWS and FAA operational personnel.
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
Developed oceanic and en-route convective forecast products that several agencies
have evaluated. These products have demonstrated improvement in the forecasting
of en-route and oceanic thunderstorms for FAA/Airline personnel and NWS
meteorologists. These products have also provided direct benefits to several
government agencies by enhancing collaborative decision-making and situational
awareness between meteorologists, controllers, and pilots

Provided NWS forecasters with the latest advances in research meteorology and was
responsible for incorporating the research results into forecast operations.
Modeling

Tested, validated and made enhancements to the algorithms that are used in the
vertical boundary layers of mesoscale and microscale models to predict temperature,
moisture, and wind profiles. This effort led to numerous awards for improving the
freezing rain/snow forecasts for east coast winter storms.

Utilized subjective techniques and objective (weather model) research results from
NWS scientists and other sources, and applied them to operational forecasting.
Directed computer personnel and operational meteorologists in testing, evaluating,
and implementing NWS' automated model and man-made forecast verification
programs.


Developed and utilized algorithms to test and validate regional and climate
prediction models.
My Ph.D. thesis was entitled: A Comparison of NMC models (1977) on Precipitation
Forecasts for East Coast Cyclogenesis. I used my own version of several NCEP’s
operational models and was able to modify and run them again to analyze
differences in model forecasts. Some of my findings and recommendations from this
research were incorporated into the operational models to improve forecasting east
coast cyclogenesis.
Forecasting

Forecaster at the NWS NCEP Heavy Precipitation Branch.
 Issued forecasts of accumulating (quantitative) precipitation, heavy rain, heavy snow,
and areas with the potential for flash flooding. The Quantitative Precipitation
Forecast (QPF) products were primarily directed to the NWS forecast offices to aid
them in their local forecasts. The heavy snow forecast products, serve as a
coordinating mechanism for the NWS winter storm watch and warning program.
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

With access to NCEP model forecast data, WSR-88D/Doppler radar data, and satellite
estimates, I employed this data for use in preparation of all precipitation forecasts. In
addition, meteorological reasoning discussions were regularly written and issued with
the forecast packages to explain and support the forecasts.
Forecaster at the NWS Washington Forecast Office.

Composed operational forecast products employing numerical model forecasts
for the Aviation, Marine, and Public programs. Provided the public with weather
watches and warnings (e.g. severe weather, flash floods, and aviation hazards).

Developed programs to enhance the forecast accuracy of severe weather, winter
storms, aviation forecasts, and flash floods. In particular I developed programs to
determine the type of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain) that will
affect the highways. Also, produced forecast algorithms to enhance the
prediction of the onset as well as the end of precipitation (frozen and nonfrozen).
Training




Developed the official "NEXRAD Training Radar" document that was utilized
in every NWS Forecast Office. Coordinated this effort with the research
centers of the federal government and the NWS forecasters. The document
provided technical expertise on the structure and development of severe
storms, Doppler radar concepts, forecasting techniques, and the limitations
and advantages of all the NEXRAD algorithms.
Planned and conducted all aspects of training, which pertained to operational
forecasting, severe thunderstorms radar interpretation, numerical weather
prediction models, and satellite meteorology.
Developed courses and exams for NWS meteorologists in employing the latest
techniques in aviation forecasting, utilizing radar and satellite meteorology,
and understanding how to use weather models for forecasting. Initiated and
conducted weather classes (from hurricanes to winter storms) for children
(elementary to high school). Judged several high school science fairs and
taught a basic weather class for the NWS Observer Program.
Prepared various training courses on the latest NWS techniques in forecasting
severe and aviation weather for NWS Eastern Region Forecast Offices. These
courses were also presented to the students and faculty at the University of
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Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
Air pollution

At New York University, I completed 15 credits of air pollution meteorology.
Oceanography


M.S., Meteorology and Oceanography, New York University, New York, NY. 1973
Tested and validated NCEP’s hurricane and oceanographic models. In particular,
worked with NCEP personnel on improving ocean wave forecasts from NOAA models.
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
 Proficient in Microsoft Software Products (Windows, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and
Access)
 Experienced programmer in FORTRAN, Visual Basic, and C
 Basic Knowledge of Web development programs (MS FrontPage) and the UNIX
operating system
PUBLICATIONS:
NWS Eastern Region Technical attachments
1. Convective Feedback in NWS models (1989)
2. A Case for NGM Moisture Convergence and Precipitation Forecasting (1988)
3. NGM and LFM Model Performance for December-1987-February 1988
American Meteorological Society
1979- Silver Spring, MD. (NWP)
Comparison of Analysis from a Regional Optimum Interpolation Scheme with National
Meteorological Center’s Operational Analysis on the Limited-Fine- Mesh (LFM) Grid.
Nierow, A., K. Bergman, and D. Gordon
1999 - Dallas, TX. (ARAM)
1. The FAA's National Airspace System Weather Architecture
2. The Role of ITWS in the National Airspace System Modernization
3. The Modernization of FAA Weather Systems to Support Free Flight
All three were presented by Alan Nierow, FAA, Washington, DC with R.C. Showalter
2000- Long Beach, CA. (IIPS)
Preliminary Evaluations of Using Lightning to Improve Oceanic Convective Forecasting for
Aviation.
Nierow, A., R. C. Showalter, F. Mosher, J. Jalickee and K. Cummins
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2000- Long Beach, CA. (Lightning session)
An evaluation of Using Lightning Data to Improve Aviation Oceanic Convective Forecasting
for the Pacific Ocean.
Alan Nierow, FAA, Washington, DC; and R. C. Showalter
2002- Orlando, FL
An Evaluation of Using Lightning Data to Improve Aviation Oceanic Convective Forecasting
for the Gulf of Mexico
Nierow, A., R. C. Showalter
2002 - Portland, OR.
Mitigating the Impact of Oceanic Weather Hazards on Transoceanic Flights.
Nierow, A., R. C. Showalter, F. R. Mosher, and T. Lindholm
2005- Washington, DC
A Final Evaluation of Using Lightning to Improve Oceanic Convective Forecasting for
Aviation.
Nierow, A., R. C. Showalter, F. Mosher, J. Jalickee and K. Cummins
2006 - Atlanta, GA. (Lightning session)
Improved Timeliness of Thunderstorms Detection from Mapping a Larger Fraction of
Lightning Flashes.
Alan Nierow and other authors
National Weather Association
2000-Gaithersburg, MD
An Evaluation of Using Lightning Data to Improve Oceanic Convective Forecasts.
2003-Jacksonville, FL.
An Evaluation of Using Lightning Data to Improve Aviation Oceanic Convective Forecasting
for the Gulf of Mexico
 Co-authored a paper with Lincoln Labs (MIT), where I served as lead author. The topic was:
“Developing Oceanic Convective Products to Mitigate the Impact of Weather Hazards on
Transoceanic Flights.”
This topic has drawn a lot of interest due to its operational flavor (NWA) and impact on
weather research (AGU). Below is a list of formal meetings that I was invited to present the
results of this research:
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
National Weather Association's 28th Annual Meeting, Jacksonville, FL. (October
2003) Presentation was given at this meeting in response to invitation.

American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting: Advances in Lightning and
Atmospheric Electricity Remote Sensing Systems and Algorithms, San Francisco,
CA. (Dec. 8-12, 2003). Presentation was given at this meeting in response to
invitation. Here is a quote from the meeting Chairman; “We wish to invite you to be
a presenter in this session, which attempts to bring together researchers in the
forefront of both lightning remote sensing R&D and operational applications; we feel
your work is an excellent match for the session focus.”
Presented this as part of an Aviation course for graduate students at George Mason University
in Fairfax Virginia in April 2007.
An Overview of the Impact of Weather on Traffic Flow Management
 Developed weather documentations for NextGen Weather while at the FAA and as a
support contractor for Booz Allen by writing various sections, providing input, and making
modifications to the following: documents:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
NextGen Weather Requirements.
NextGen Weather Integration Plan
Enterprise Architecture (EA)Version
NextGen Weather Plan
NextGen Integrated Work Plan (IWP)
Concept of Operations (ConOps)
Net-Centric Operations (NCO) Concept of Operations (ConOps)
JPDO Program Plan 2011
Next Generation Air Transportation System International Strategy
Numerous Weather Roadmaps
 Ph.D. Thesis 1983
A Comparison of NMC models (1977) on Precipitation Forecasts for East Coast Cyclogenesis
 M.S. Thesis 1973
A Review of the Effect of Suspended Particles on the Temperature of the Earth
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