Kayla McDonald is a dual-degree student pursuing bachelor's degrees in Geography (Meteorology-Climatology) and Journalism. She is also completing certificates in Atmospheric Sciences and Geographic Information Science (GIS).

Currently, she works as a weather investigator for WeatheRate Inc., a student worker at the Arizona State Climate Office, and a station manager assistant for the NWS COOP weather station at ASU. In addition, she is a teaching assistant for the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning.

 

Kayla is also a weather host and audience engagement journalist for Cronkite News. She produces and anchors for the weather segment of the Cronkite News newscasts as well as produce content and run the Cronkite News social media accounts. 

She previously worked at Salt River Project as a weather balloon launcher and was selected as a student volunteer for the National Weather Service Phoenix forecast office in 2024.​

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When Kayla is not working or studying, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and being outside. She also enjoys learning new skills like playing various musical instruments,  cooking different foods, and telling stories through video editing.

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"Weather phenomena can be beautiful but also dangerous. When I was 8 years old, my family and I took on an EF2 tornado in vehicles. An hour before impact, I predicted this tornado and it lead to my family's survival. I've made it my mission to become a broadcast or operational meteorologist to help save the lives of others." -Kayla McDonald (2023)