Laura Sime

Laura Sime is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois' Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences, School of Earth, Society & Environment. She also serves as Head of Catastrophe Modeling Support at AXIS Re. Her career bridges atmospheric sciences and insurance/reinsurance, focusing on catastrophe modeling, data analysis, and team leadership.

Education: Began in Aerospace Engineering before transitioning to Meteorology, gaining foundational skills in critical thinking and programming (Matlab, IDL). Currently proficient in SQL, R, Python, and Tableau.

Research interests include applying meteorological principles to insurance risk assessment, data-driven decision-making, and catastrophe modeling innovations. Highlights include leading a team of nearly 20 interns and 4 full-time staff at AXIS Re, expanding her role over three years. Emphasizes problem-solving, communication, and intellectual curiosity in professional development.

Work-life balance: Maintains a 7-5 schedule with flexibility, though occasional extended hours due to global team collaboration. Advocates for career path self-creation and continuous learning.