Like a storm chaser’s relentless pursuit of capturing the perfect storm, Dorien Minor chased his dreams from Maryland to Georgia Tech. 

“I had an infatuation for learning more about the weather and other science wonders and have carried that determination and passion with me throughout my life,” said Minor, earth and atmospheric sciences graduate. 

Georgia Tech students and staff may be familiar with Minor’s Instagram page where he reports on weather to an audience of mostly Tech students. In 2018, he started the Instagram page as a way to report on Hurricane Michael for his friends and family who were being impacted by the weather event. 

“After years of providing daily weather reports and a light snow event on campus in 2020 that caused Georgia Tech to call me the “unofficial official on-campus meteorologist,” said Minor. 

It all started with a bachelor’s degree in earth and atmospheric sciences, which he took to the next level to earn a master’s degree in the same field. 

A Role Model for Future Meteorologists

Minor wanted to be a meteorologist from a young age, but as a young, Black man, he didn’t see meteorologists who looked like him on television. The field of meteorology lacks minority representation more than other sectors. According to the Washington Post, Black and African American meteorologists and atmospheric scientists make up 2% of the entire membership. 

Minor’s focus on broadcast meteorology will put him in front of a broad audience every day. Starting in June, he will be the meteorologist for Live 5 News in Charleston, South Carolina. Minor hopes his presence can serve as a role model for other minority youth who have a curiosity for science and weather.  

“It is important for our minority youth and students to see individuals that look like them in their respective careers,” said Minor. “Having such role models to look up to in meteorology and other aspects of the geosciences and media is important to me as I embark on my career, as it enables our youth to embody their passions and to ultimately become the next generation of meteorologists.” 

Outside of meteorology, Minor is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of leaders and meteorologists. 

“Later in my career, one of my many aspirations is to begin my own meteorology and STEM-related broadcast network in hopes of teaching kids about the different vast possibilities,” said Minor. 

The Journey of an Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Major

Balancing academics with career development is a challenge that students everywhere face, and it was no different for Minor. 

“With the rigorous curriculum that Georgia Tech offers, it can often be difficult to apply what we learn in the classroom to real-world applications,” said Minor. “However, through previous internships with AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, and MemphisWeather.net, I have been able to further apply my knowledge and expand my skills as a broadcast meteorologist.” 

Minor still made time to report on weather events to keep thousands of students and staff safe. Reflecting on some of the more memorable weather events during his time at Tech, Minor recalls how even the slightest of snowfall could change the mood around campus. 

Seeing the unparalleled joy of students made even the slightest of events much more memorable,” said Minor. 

Since the launch of his Instagram page, his account has evolved from reporting on just the weather. He was able to combine his passion for teaching with his love for meteorology. 

“My account has evolved in a way that allows me to also teach students and adults alike about different weather phenomena and other important topics, such as climate change and environmental justice,” said Minor. 

According to Minor, the earth and atmospheric sciences major places a huge emphasis on the importance of climate change and sustainability, which furthered his interests and enabled him to take electives that focused on these topics. 

“Topics that were covered in these classes confirmed the need for an increase in media coverage on climate change and the need for sustainable practice so that individuals are aware of what is happening to our environments, communities, and ecosystems,” said Minor. 

Throughout his time at Tech, Minor’s dedication to the field of meteorology and forecasting has earned him various accolades including first place overall upperclassman forecaster for the 2021-2022 season, as well as multiple WxChallenge awards from a national forecasting competition. 

Minor’s one piece of advice for current students is to be open to new ideas and new possibilities. 

“Meteorology and earth sciences are full of various careers in themselves, such as broadcasting, public and private sector, teaching, and other options,” said Minor. “Each of these can teach you something new and help you to grow in any field you decide to pursue.”