An early curiosity about weather led Melissa Nord, EAS 2013, and Anthony Diaz, EAS 2001, MBA 2013, to pursue degrees from the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at Georgia Tech. Although both launched careers grounded in science and meteorology, they’ve since navigated strikingly separate professional paths.

Nord is currently a meteorologist with Atlanta’s 11Alive News, while Diaz is a senior director, strategy and planning at The Coca-Cola Company.

Parallel beginnings

As children, both were scared, yet captivated by extreme weather events.

“I was obsessed with watching weather reports, especially when hurricanes hit,” says Nord.

Similarly intrigued, Diaz eagerly viewed the maps depicting violent weather changes. “I loved watching the orange severe weather wave sweep across the radar map. I even used our old IBM 386 to create weather maps and graphics!”

Both Georgia natives chose Georgia Tech for its reputation.

“I looked at other schools with prestigious weather programs, but in addition to its strong academics, Tech offered the HOPE Scholarship. I couldn’t pass that up,” says Nord.

Diaz looked at Georgia Tech as a beacon of opportunity.

“For me, it was all about the brand,” shares Diaz. “I thought if you went to Georgia Tech, you would be successful.”

Both cite the scientific foundation received at Georgia Tech as critical to their careers.

“To understand weather, you need to understand the science behind it,” Nord explains. “The skills I learned at Georgia Tech — coding, solving complex math problems, and comprehending fluid dynamics of the atmosphere — I still use today.”

When asked how his background in weather ties to business strategy, Diaz doesn’t hesitate. “It’s all about validating the data. Surprisingly, forecasting the weather and forecasting your budget are similar. As someone trained in science, I have that mentality of questioning the numbers and using critical thinking to follow the data until I have the right answer.”

Shared roots, divergent routes

Diaz initially enrolled at Georgia Tech as a chemical engineering major but switched to EAS based on his interests in meteorology and earthquakes.

“I thought it was going to be fun,” says Diaz. “I didn’t realize it was going to be challenging. It turned out to be both.”

Diaz and Nord praise Georgia Tech’s emphasis on research and experiential education. 

“I realized I had picked the right career during a credit-based internship with the National Weather Service,” says Nord. “While researching warning lead times for the 2011 Super Tornado Outbreak, it hit home that meteorology saves lives.”

In addition to the National Weather Service, she also held internships with FOX, ABC, and The Weather Channel and started a weather show on Georgia Tech’s cable network.

“It wasn’t exactly great TV,” shares Nord. “We only taped once a week, but I loved it because it was all about the weather.”

For Diaz, a career-building opportunity came when a Georgia Tech professor recommended him for an internship at The Weather Channel.

“That internship was a baptism by fire,” remembers Diaz. “I learned a lot of valuable information in a very short time.”

From storms to strategy

Diaz’s internship evolved into a 15-year career with The Weather Channel. He started in forecasting, moved into graphic design and visualization, and eventually joined the IT side, directing many of The Weather Channel’s digital transformation efforts.

“At Tech, you get used to learning things fast – that skillset helped me step up as a leader, teaching others to manage systems I’d once used myself.”

Diaz returned to Georgia Tech in 2012, earning his MBA from the Scheller College of Business.

“I didn’t enroll to transition out of weather,” says Diaz. “But seven-to-eight months into my global business program at Scheller, I realized there were so many new opportunities out there to explore, and I wanted to dive in and see what else was out there.”

After completing his MBA, Diaz worked in consulting before moving to global giant Coca-Cola where he held roles in operational excellence, IT strategy, and HR strategy and planning.

“We have a saying about careers at Coke: it’s not a ladder, it’s a playground,” says Diaz. “You climb around, explore different pieces of equipment, and eventually reach the top of the jungle gym.”

When he examines his overall career, Diaz points to one important factor. “I think the common thread is fun; I enjoy what I do.”

His advice to current EAS students?

“There are multiple tracks available to you. With the strength of Georgia Tech’s brand behind you, doors will open. Follow your passions and what you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to start over and branch out.”

Looking back, Diaz is thankful for the Institute’s role in his career. “Applying to Georgia Tech set me up for success. Without Tech and the incredible education that I was lucky enough to experience twice, I doubt I’d be where I am today.”

From studying the air to on-air broadcasts

After graduation, Nord began her career as a weekend meteorologist in Lexington, Kentucky, then honed her skills at WUSA 9 in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore, Maryland area, where she earned an Associated Press and Emmy Award for Best Meteorologist/Weather Anchor. Returning to Atlanta, she worked as a freelance meteorologist at CNN and The Weather Channel before joining 11Alive in 2020.

As a meteorologist, the nuts and bolts of Nord’s job revolve around broadcasting her forecast, but there is much more to it.

“Being a meteorologist is more than reading a teleprompter  — it’s about outsmarting the models, interpreting complex patterns, and making critical calls when the atmosphere doesn’t follow the script. Some days it’s easy, on others it’s a puzzle. But when you get it right, especially against the odds, that’s a great day,” says Nord.

Nord explains that the new online and streaming realm has completely redefined how people consume weather. In addition to delivering the forecast during 11Alive’s 4 p.m. newscast, she’s now writing online content, creating long-form videos and visuals, and giving live updates when severe weather hits.

When severe weather strikes, Nord and other meteorologists are responsible for determining the best way to cover it.

“With Georgia’s wild weather swings, there’s a lot we do behind the scenes, including determining how many reporters should cover an event, the best location to deliver the forecast, and how many warnings are needed,” says Nord.

She is a frequent speaker at school and community events. “At my core, I’m a science geek. Kids are just as fascinated by weather as I was, and I love encouraging their interest in STEM.”

Like Diaz, she has found purpose and joy in her path, and the outlook for the future is bright:

“Being a meteorologist is exciting, fulfilling, and challenging,” says Nord. “It’s my childhood dream come true.”