Edward Rappaport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edward Rappaport
Born	(1957-11-18) November 18, 1957 (age 67) Los Angeles, California
Nationality	American
Alma mater	University of Washington Texas Tech University

Edward Neil "Ed" Rappaport, born on November 18, 1957, is an American scientist. He is well-known for his important work at the National Hurricane Center (NHC). He helped predict and understand hurricanes for many years. Ed Rappaport even served as the acting director of the NHC two different times.

Ed Rappaport's Journey at the Hurricane Center

Ed Rappaport started his career at the National Hurricane Center in 1987. He began as a special researcher, learning more about weather and hurricanes. In 1988, he became a research meteorologist. This means he studied weather patterns to help forecast storms.

Moving Up the Ranks

By 1990, Ed Rappaport became an assistant hurricane specialist. He also worked as a meteorologist for the Tropical Satellite and Analysis Center. This role involved using satellite images to track storms. In 1993, he became a full hurricane specialist. This job meant he was directly involved in forecasting hurricanes.

From 1998 to 2000, he led the Technical Support Branch. This team helps forecasters with their tools and technology. Because he had experience both in forecasting and research, he became the deputy director in 2000. The deputy director helps manage the entire center. He held this important role until he retired in 2021.

Leading the Center

Ed Rappaport stepped in as the acting director of the National Hurricane Center twice. His first time was from 2007 to 2008. He took over after the previous director, Bill Proenza, left. Later, Bill Read became the director.

He served as acting director again from 2017 to 2018. This happened after Richard Knabb left the NHC. Ed Rappaport led the center until Ken Graham was chosen as the new director. During both these periods, he was also the deputy director.

His Education

Ed Rappaport studied at two different universities. He earned his first two degrees from the University of Washington. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in 1979. Then, he earned his Master of Science (M.S.) in 1983. He continued his studies at Texas Tech University. In 1988, he earned his Ph.D. in atmospheric science. This advanced degree helped him become an expert in weather and climate.