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Environmental Champion: Steve Ambrose
Woolpert loves the earth, and we try to show it. To celebrate Earth Day 2018, we are featuring a just a few of the Woolpert employees with a passion for this planet—and those who live on it.
Steve Ambrose
Government Solutions Program Director
Washington, DC
An expert in…
Earth science, climate, data engineering, and geospatial mapping and visualization. Steve Ambrose is a photogrammetry program director supporting critical infrastructure, natural disaster, climate change, water resource and information system projects. He revels in a strong curiosity about all things weather, climate, geology and astronomy.
It all started…
As a child in Maryland. From the blizzard of 1966, which dumped nearly 20 inches of snow, to 1972’s Hurricane Agnes, Steve was always outside, trying to understand and photograph the weather. He spent many years observing weather and chasing storms, eventually turning his hobby into a career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Today…
This former meteorologist, physical scientist and aerospace engineer focuses on how weather, climate and earth observations can be used to respond to both natural and manmade disasters. Steve draws information from a variety of remote sensing sources to help answer the questions, “How does weather impact society?” and “How can we help people respond?”
Inspired by…
- Helmut Landsburg, a renowned climatologist whom Steve studied under and supported Steve’s Washington, DC, weather observation network
- Piers Sellers, a NASA astronaut who devoted his life to fighting climate change and his more recent battle with cancer
At Woolpert…
Steve encourages his co-workers to use Earth Day as a reminder to invest in their planet. He personally participates in neighborhood and coastal clean-ups, as well as planting trees and vegetation. Steve is excited that Woolpert’s environmental effort is gaining steam, and he is committed to partnering with the government to promote sound environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead…
Steve wants to make a difference to decision-makers through all cycles of disaster. He plans to use his expertise to help agencies prepare for disasters and implement more effective, risk-reducing post-disaster recovery and mitigation strategies. The value of geospatial data in this effort cannot be overemphasized, and Steve is motivated to use that data to better protect the earth and its inhabitants.
Steve Ambrose
With more than 40 years of experience studying climate, weather and its effects on our environment, Steve Ambrose turned storm chasing into a life-long public service career. Having worked for multiple national earth science agencies, Steve is using his talents Woolpert to better understand risks to infrastructure, natural resources and society. When Steve doesn’t have his eyes to the sky, you might find him touring the country and enjoying nature on his motorcycle.