Isha M. Renta Lopez is a scientist that works in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) as an Analyst and Program Manager. In her current position she manages programs, leads people, is involved in the science policy process, and performs research and development analysis. Previous to this position, Isha was a meteorologist/forecaster for the NOAA’s National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office. In her duties Isha provided forecasts and briefings for their partners and the public, issued warnings, as well as data analysis. Before that, Isha worked as a Research Meteorologist for the Department of the Navy.
Before her work for the Navy, Isha worked as a Student Researcher at Howard University, and at various organizations including the National Science Foundation, NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, and NOAA’s Marine Modeling and Analysis Branch. Isha was also part of a 30 day research cruise that took place in May 2007.
Isha founded and currently directs Semilla Cultural, a non profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the Afro-Puerto Rican musical and dance genre of ‘bomba’.
Isha has a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Master's Degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Howard University.