During her time at Arizona State University, Amanda Gibbons found herself at the intersection of science, service, and leadership — and it all started with a fascination for monsoon storms. 

As a student worker at the Arizona State Climate Office, Gibbons helped interpret climate data and supported projects that directly impact Arizona communities. It was there that she discovered the full scope of what it means to be a meteorologist: not just forecasting weather but improving how communities respond to it.

Gibbons, a Phoenix native, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in geography (meteorology-climatology) from ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. She also earned certificates in atmospheric sciences and geographic information science. A high-achieving student, Gibbons was awarded the New American University Scholarship (President’s Award) from 2020 to 2024, made the Dean’s List five times and received The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Leader Award in 2023.

Her experience at ASU has been shaped not only by academics, but by her deep involvement in campus life. She was an active member of the Weather and Climate Club and formed lasting connections with faculty mentors like Erinanne Saffell and Randy Cerveny, who encouraged her growth as a leader. It’s these relationships, Gibbons says, that helped her transform her childhood curiosity into a career path grounded in research, resilience and community impact.

ASU News caught up with Gibbons to reflect on her journey and what’s ahead.

Question:  What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study meteorology?

Answer: Rain was a novelty growing up in the desert. I was always glued to the window watching monsoon storms during the summer. When I was about 10 years old, one particularly strong thunderstorm rolled through. As I was watching it and listening to the various severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings on the radio, I knew I wanted to be one of the meteorologists at the National Weather Service issuing those warnings. 

My family supported my interest by getting me books about the weather, finding documentaries to watch and getting a membership to the Arizona Science Center, where I spent hours in their "Forces of Nature" exhibit. It felt natural to study it in college.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: One of the most valuable things I’ve learned at ASU has been the importance of networking and building relationships with professionals in my field. Events hosted by the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, guest lectures and involvement in organizations like the Weather and Climate Club gave me the chance to connect with meteorologists working in government agencies, the private industry and broadcast media. These conversations offered insights you can’t get from a textbook — what the job is really like, how they got there and what skills matter most in the real world. It changed the way I approach my education and career, and I realized that success is more than just doing well in classes.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because I received a full-tuition scholarship, which made it financially viable for me. Plus, the university’s location allowed me to stay close to my family and friends in Phoenix. That was very important to me, and ASU’s proximity allowed me to maintain those relationships while pursuing my degree. I was able to live at home and commute, which helped cut down on living expenses. I started at ASU with a different major, but once I realized I wanted to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a meteorologist, I was happy to find that ASU’s geography program had all the specialized courses I needed to make that happen. 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It’s easy to feel like you must figure everything out yourself, but no one expects you to have all the answers. College became easier and much more rewarding once I started doing more than just showing up to class. If you’re struggling, talk to your professor and go to office hours. Your professors want you to succeed. They may know of volunteer or employment opportunities for you and will happily write you a letter of recommendation if they see you actively engage in your education.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Erinanne Saffell has been my mentor throughout college — as a professor, the Weather and Climate Club advisor and my supervisor at the Arizona State Climate Office. She’s always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and showed me how to become a confident leader. Randy Cerveny has also been instrumental in my achievements. His mentorship and upper-level meteorology classes have given me the skills I need to be successful in grad school and beyond.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would invest in improving early warning systems and community preparedness for extreme weather events, especially in vulnerable and underserved areas. People can lose their homes or even their lives not because there wasn’t a forecast, but because the warning didn’t reach them in time, or because they didn’t have the resources or knowledge to respond. I’d use the funding to support local infrastructure such as additional radar sites or flood control measures. I’d enhance communication systems and ensure that warnings are available in multiple languages to reach as many people as possible. I’d also create accessible education programs that help communities understand weather risks and how to respond safely.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I’ll be starting my master’s degree in atmospheric sciences at the University of Arizona this fall. I hope to study the North American monsoon and its effects on the hydrology of the Southwest. In the future, I’d like to work for the National Weather Service or another government organization in operational meteorology or hydrology.