After more than 40 years of federal service, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) celebrates the career of Frank Marks, PhD. Marks’ contributions to meteorology and hurricane research have left an indelible impact on the field, making him a true NOAA legend.
Marks began his career at AOML in July 1980 as a Research Meteorologist and quickly became a key member of the Hurricane Research Division (HRD). His innovative work in understanding the structure of tropical cyclones through radar remote sensing has been instrumental in advancing hurricane research through new technology.
Marks led the way as mission manager for the NOAA High Altitude Jet procurement, leading to the addition of the Gulfstream G-IV to the Hurricane Hunters fleet. Building on his foundational work with the NOAA fleet, he spearheaded the development and operation of Tail Doppler Radar systems aboard the P-3 Orion and Gulfstream G-IV aircraft, significantly enhancing meteorologist’s ability to analyze and understand storm structures. Marks also contributed to the real-time transfer of Tail Doppler Radar data from aircraft to ground stations via satellite, an innovation integrated into operational forecast models to improve intensity forecasts. His leadership extended to over 390 research missions in tropical cyclones, which greatly advanced scientific understanding and improved hurricane forecasting and preparedness.
In 2002, Marks was appointed Director of the Hurricane Research Division and served in this role until 2023. Additionally, he assumed the role of Research Lead for NOAA’s Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program in 2007, where he focused on enhancing the real-time transfer of data from the P-3’s Tail Doppler radar. His strategic vision and dedication were crucial in advancing NOAA’s mission and enhancing the nation’s capacity to understand and predict hurricanes.
His contributions to remote sensing and hurricane research did not go unrecognized; Marks’ contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the U.S. Department of Commerce Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, the American Meteorological Society’s Verner E. Suomi Award, the NOAA Distinguished Career Award, and the 2021 AMS Joanne Simpson Tropical Meteorology Research Award. After a 49-year career focused on expanding our understanding of storm structures and processes, Dr. Frank Marks is retiring from his role at AOML. Reflecting on his extensive career, Marks said, “The thing I enjoyed most was the people. The people I’ve worked with at AOML have been phenomenal. Sure, I like flying into hurricanes and doing the research, but the people — that’s what makes the work easy or hard. It pushes you out of your boundaries and forces you to grow. You learn a lot, and you share a lot… to me, it’s the people. That has been the most enjoyable part of my career.”
Even in retirement, Marks maintains his dedication to hurricane research and plans to continue contributing to AOML as a volunteer. Join us in celebrating Marks’ remarkable career, his accomplishments, his service to the nation, and his continued commitment to NOAA’s mission!