‘My major built a solid foundation of scientific expertise, research’

Annareli Morales is an air quality policy analyst for Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment in Colorado. She graduated in 2012 as a double major in atmospheric science and geology with a concentration in Earth and environmental science.

Briefly describe a typical workday. Also, what is an example of the most interesting aspect of your job?
A typical workday includes several planning meetings with elected officials, external partners, or technical committees, reviewing reports and scientific literature, and preparing content for future planning meetings. One of the most interesting aspects of my job is when I testify to legislative committees and commissions. There is a lot of preparation on talking points, presentations, and potential questions you could be asked by these decision-makers.

How did your majors prepare you for life following graduation?

I had a double major in atmospheric science and geology. Following graduation, I followed the path of atmospheric science and so my major built a solid foundation of scientific expertise and research. The professors at Illinois are world experts in their fields and having them in my network was incredibly valuable. I didn’t think I’d use my geology major, but now I work in environmental health services and my concentration in Earth and environmental science really comes in handy.

What do you enjoy most about your work? What part of your work aligns with your personal values?

I most enjoy being a scientific resource to decision-makers and the public and that our work is for the benefit of public health. My previous job was as a research scientist at a national lab. It was very interesting work, but I specifically left because that position didn’t align with my personal values and needs. Here are some examples: Recognition – my department leadership and county officials express their appreciation of my work and recognize my efforts. Movement – our county culture very much promotes active living and are encouraged to exercise often, this helps us get out of the office and go for walks on our nearby trails. Creativity – I get to be creative in all aspects of my work, be it from designing an educational flier or strategizing key points in a prehearing statement for a proposed regulation. I also love that I can have work-life balance with my job.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice as you entered your career, what would you say?

Keep track of what gives you energy and what drains you. 

Describe your family.

My family is from southwestern Mexico. I have two younger brothers; Jorge is in high school, and Giovany got his degree in civil engineering from Illinois in 2022. He now builds sports stadiums across the country. I met my fiancé, Blake, in graduate school, and we’ll be getting married in August 2025. We have two cats, Figg and Lisa.

Do you have a hobby or volunteer service that you enjoy? When did you start, and why?

I enjoy cross-stitching and kickboxing. I started training in Muay Thai during my postdoctoral fellowship because it seemed like a fun way to get in shape. I really enjoyed the discipline it brought me. I’ve continued kickboxing on and off for the past five years. I love arts and crafts, and since I already did some embroidery, I felt like I’d probably enjoy cross-stitch. I started cross-stitching around eight years ago, and it really blossomed in 2023 when I moved to a town with its own cross-stitch store. I’ve met cool people and have a small community of stitchers that have encouraged me to try more challenging patterns, cloth, and threads.

Editor's note: This is part of a series that features College of LAS alumni and their careers. Visit here to read more.