Dusanka Zupanski

Dusanka was born in Mokrin, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). She went to school in Mokrin and Kikinda, then obtained the undergraduate degree, and eventually Ph.D. in meteorology from the University of Belgrade. Dusanka was a top student in her generation and a gifted scientist with major achievements in data assimilation and meteorology, both nationally and internationally. She mentored young scientists, developed state-of-the-art research, and is greatly respected around the world for her achievements. She joined her husband Milija in Washington, DC in 1991, where they got married in 1992 and had daughter Sandra in 1994. After working at NOAA in Washington, DC, Dusanka moved with her family to Fort Collins in 2001, where she worked at CIRA/Colorado State University, followed by private industry work in Boulder, at Precision Wind and eventually at Spire Global.

Dusanka was positive and enthusiastic in life. She had a contagious smile and effervescent personality. Dusanka loved skiing and greatly enjoyed the Rocky Mountains, especially Steamboat Springs. Dusanka’s heritage is Serbian Orthodox, and her spiritual devotion was very important to her. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.