The Water Resources Institute Welcomes Samantha Koehler, Senior Mesonet Technician 

In June 2025, Samantha (Sam) Koehler joined the University of Vermont’s Water Resources Institute (WRI). Koehler will serve as the Senior Mesonet Technician, playing a key role in the development of a statewide mesonet—a network of meteorological monitoring stations. 

The Vermont Mesonet will initially develop two new high-end prototype mesonet stations that will complement UVM’s existing Summit to Shore weather and snow data network, which is currently focused on observations along elevational gradients. Additional funding will be sought to expand the network to create a comprehensive, real-time weather network across the state. This network will empower communities to better prepare for and respond to weather emergencies.  

Koehler has been hired to manage the network. She has prior experience setting up a Mesonet in Maryland through her graduate studies and has also worked as a technician for the New York State Mesonet (NYSM). 

"I am delighted to have Sam take the helm of this new initiative," states Joshua Beneš, Associate Director of Facilities and Networks at the Water Resources Institute. "Sam's expertise is precisely what we need to ensure optimal decision-making as we develop this network. Moreover, Sam is incredibly kind, genuine, and a joy to work with.” 

Earlier this year, she received her master’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Maryland.  While pursuing her graduate degree, she developed Maryland’s Mesonet laboratory, assisted in the start-up procedures and station installations of the network, and investigated the need and feasibility of utilizing lighthouses as alternative stations in the Chesapeake Bay.   

At the New York Mesonet, she oversaw operational oversight for 26 of the 127 weather stations in the network. Koehler managed the preparatory lab, developing repair procedures for instrumentation, as well as assisting in the calibration laboratory.  

As the Senior Mesonet Technician at the Water Resources Institute, Koehler will play a key role in starting up the Vermont Mesonet. By engaging with partners and installing a high-end prototype, she will lead the expansion of the project.  

One of her intentions is to leverage UVM’s existing meteorological infrastructure, integrating it into the network. Koehler will maintain and grow the mesonet, managing contractors and coordinating the involvement of students and staff, and from a technical perspective, she will perform sensor calibrations, equipment repairs, and site maintenance. 

She hopes to better community preparedness in her role. “My goal for the Vermont Mesonet is to serve the needs of state and national entities while providing meteorological data that will allow communities to make informed decisions that better protect their life and property,” explains Koehler. 

Since she has joined the team, she has already helped lead a stakeholder meeting to discuss the needs of Vermont and potential locations for a protype station. 

To learn from an existing network, she shadowed the Wisconet team out of the University of Wisconsin, Madison to learn about their procedures and operations. 

Additionally, she has begun serving on the first American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) Mesonet Recognition Program Committee, which will support and recognize exceptional mesonets.  

“I am looking forward to meeting and working with residents of the state so that together, we can build a more resilient Vermont,” Koehler said.