UAlbany-Trained Broadcast Meteorologists Share Career Insights

By Mike Nolan

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 17, 2026) — The University at Albany’s Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences partnered with the Journalism Program earlier this month to host a roundtable discussion that featured UAlbany alumni and current students who are working as broadcast meteorologists in the Capital Region. 

The event gave students valuable networking experience and insight into the transition from the classroom to on-air careers.

Roundtable panelists included: 

• Reid Kisselback ‘17, meteorologist at WNYT (soon moving to Spectrum News national)
• Christina Talamo ‘20, meteorologist at WNYT
• Jordan Due ’23, ‘24, meteorologist at WTEN (contract concluded on Sunday)
• Allison Lancia, senior in atmospheric science, part-time meteorologist at WTEN
• Ethan Wilkinson, senior in atmospheric science, part-time meteorologist at CBS 6

UAlbany offers an undergraduate major in journalism that equips students with strong writing, critical thinking and multimedia reporting skills across platforms including broadcast, digital and print media. 

The Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences launched a new minor this semester in Weather and Climate Communication, available now to atmospheric and climate science majors. The department is also soon launching a broadcast media lab at ETEC where students will be able to create demo reels, produce social media content and strengthen their on-camera communication skills.

This roundtable was made possible with support from Jill Konopka, visiting professor of communication, Elaine Salisbury, journalism program director, and Ross Lazear, academic instructor in atmospheric and environmental sciences.