One of the greatest benefits of being a Gulliver alumnus is belonging to a global network of professionals across countless industries—connections that can lead to meaningful opportunities and collaborations long after graduation. Just ask Caroline Comeau ’16 and Matt Sitkowski ’00.
Although they didn’t know each other during their time at Gulliver, Caroline and Matt recently connected through their work in meteorology and technology. Caroline is co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of FNN, a company that collects and shares lightning data to improve wildfire detection and prevention. Matt is Science Editor in Chief at The Weather Channel. Their paths crossed when a news anchor from The Weather Channel introduced FNN’s technology to the team, sparking a collaboration that brings FNN’s cutting-edge data to millions of viewers.
“The collaboration is not short-term and could certainly have long-term benefits,” says Caroline. “As lightning is the number one cause of wildfires in terms of area burned, we will continue to expand FNN’s sensor network and plan to share the messaging of the company and results with the public.”
For Matt, the project is both scientifically valuable and personally rewarding. “The work they are doing is not only fascinating, but beneficial to society,” he says. “Adding their data to our graphics informs The Weather Channel viewers while enhancing their experience. I am looking forward to watching FNN, and our collaboration, grow.”
What started as a professional connection has also served as a reminder of the power of the Gulliver alumni network. Caroline and Matt discovered their shared alma mater through LinkedIn and quickly bonded over their time at Gulliver—despite graduating more than a decade apart.
Their story is a powerful example of how the Gulliver community continues to support and inspire, well beyond the classroom.
