For St. Croix native Sanaa Burke, a childhood shaped by hurricanes has grown into a career in the making. With a bachelor’s degree in meteorology and climate science already earned, she now heads to Pennsylvania State University to pursue her master’s degree and study tropical cyclones and their impact on the Caribbean.
Roots in St. Croix
Burke was asked about her background and inspiration to pursue a career in atmospheric sciences, and she explained that environment deeply influenced her outlook on life and her decisions.
“I’m originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, specifically the island of St. Croix, and growing up here has been a huge part of shaping who I am today,” Burke said. “Living on a small island has taught me resilience, adaptability, and a deep respect for nature. Our closeness to the environment makes you pay attention to the weather in ways you might not in other places, and it’s definitely fueled my awareness and curiosity about the world around me,” she explained.
Early Sparks of Curiosity
Burke’s path into meteorology started early. Childhood experiences with hurricanes left her in awe of nature’s power and sparked a desire to understand it. She recalls that the first time she truly engaged with weather studies occurred when she was a student in the sixth grade.
“My interest in meteorology first sparked when I was a child, experiencing hurricanes and seeing how much they impacted our community,” Burke said. “However, my first real introduction to the field of meteorology was in sixth grade, where we had a science book that talked about the different cloud types and what kind of weather is associated with them. After learning about the cloud types, I would go outside with the book and try to identify various clouds,” she noted.
Burke’s experiences with Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the profound effect they had on both her community and her own perspective cemented her decision to pursue meteorology as a career.
“My personal experiences with hurricanes in the USVI were a major factor in my career choice,” Burke acknowledged. “Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, in particular, left a lasting impression on me, and it wasn’t just the science behind the storm. It was also the way the entire community came together,” she said. “I was also able to see and understand how important real-time updates on weather are, and I knew that I wanted to be one of the people providing that information.”
Academic Path Forward
Burke has already made strides in her journey toward becoming a meteorologist. She recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and Climate Science from the University of Delaware, and she has no plans of slowing down. Burke is preparing for the next chapter of her academic journey. This fall, she begins graduate studies at Pennsylvania State University—well known for its excellent programs in atmospheric sciences— to pursue a master’s degree. She plans to focus on tropical meteorology and the impacts of climate change.
“I’ll be starting at Penn State soon in their Meteorology and Atmospheric Science graduate program,” Burke confirmed. “My focus will be on tropical meteorology and specifically how tropical cyclones impact the Caribbean region, as well as how climate change will have an impact on those cyclones. I also want to look into the socioeconomic impacts of cyclones in the region, as we are a tourism-driven area, and these storms have a large impact on that. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of the science while also developing new technical skills in research and forecasting,” she stated.
“I’m most looking forward to engaging in research that ties back to real-world impacts, especially in tropical and coastal communities,” Burke said. “Penn State has a strong reputation in both forecasting and academic research, so I’m eager to learn from experts in the field.”
Sharing Weather Updates at Home
Burke is already making an impact closer to home. She frequently shares weather updates with residents through social media and has been directly involved in research and advocacy.
“In the USVI, I’m involved in sharing weather updates with the public through my personal Facebook page, focusing on keeping residents informed about developing storms and tropical systems,” she noted. “I also recently worked on an undergraduate research project analyzing the relationship between Predecessor Rain Events and cyclone landfalls in the United States, using historical weather charts and Python-based data analysis with my meteorology professor, Dr. Shuai Wang.”
“What I’ve enjoyed most so far is seeing how my work can help people understand and prepare for weather events,” Burke said. “There’s a rewarding feeling in knowing that a post or an update might encourage someone to take an extra step toward safety.”
“My passion for helping others has driven me to testify on behalf of the establishment of the Meteorological Office through the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency in front of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands this past May.”
Building Skills in Public Communication
Additionally, Burke has already gained experience in broadcast communication. She was invited three times as a live guest on FOX Weather, where she provided updates during Tropical Storm Ernesto in August 2024. Those appearances, she says, gave her a chance to sharpen her communication skills.
“One thing I wish I had known earlier is how important communication skills are in meteorology. You can understand the science perfectly, but being able to explain it clearly and confidently to the public is just as important, especially when lives and property are on the line,” Burke said.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Burke hopes to concentrate on storm development and forecasting, with a long-term goal of serving her home community.
“I’m especially interested in specializing in tropical meteorology and climate science, with a focus on storm development and forecasting in the Caribbean region,” she said.
“In the next five to 10 years, I see myself working as a research meteorologist or operational forecaster, ideally with a role that allows me to bridge science and public communication. I would love to return to the USVI, whether permanently or seasonally, to contribute directly to improving local forecasting and disaster preparedness.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Finally, Burke offered advice for young Virgin Islanders who may want to follow in her footsteps.
“My advice to young people in the USVI who are interested in weather science is to stay curious and keep learning,” she recommended. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the field, as most are more than happy to share advice or mentorship. Start small, even by observing daily weather patterns and exploring online resources,” she concluded.
Individuals can keep up with Sanaa Burke’s journey into meteorology through her public Facebook page here.
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