NOAA National Ocean Service
As a Lapenta intern with NOAA’s CO-OPS, I verified a new Python skill‑assessment package against the legacy Fortran workflow used to validate Operational Forecast Systems. I ran matched model and observation datasets, built comparison scripts, and worked with scientists to resolve discrepancies, modifying the modern package so its statistics and time‑series diagnostics align with the operational system. This work strengthened my skills in Python, signal processing, and collaborative model validation while supporting CO-OPS’ operational forecast accuracy. You can view more of my project below:
https://github.com/lukehjudd/NOAA-Lapenta-Project
Ritter Designs
As part of my capstone project, I was involved in a mentorship with the founder of Ritter Designs LLC, Chris Ritter. Mr. Ritter taught me about ocean engineering and exploration, walked me through Deep Discoverer (pictured to the right) and its companion vehicle Serios, helped explain his daily work for NOAA, and finally, taught me about the engineering process while guiding me through testing and implementing new parts for his personal ROV.
Here is one of the deliveries I made while volunteering for the meals on wheels program at my local church, delivering food to the less fortunate and elderly of my city. I also work for Doordash as a summer job and over breaks.
Pictured above is Hope Hill Farm, the homestead I grew up on. I worked there for 4 years helping tend to over 50 animals, create a 20,000 square foot garden, and host professional events, start a satellite church, and rennovate the property.