On November 12, 2004, Robert Henson interviewed Howard McNeil in Fort Worth, Texas, for a project affiliated with the American Meteorological Society and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. In this interview, McNeil reflects on his life, career, and contributions to meteorology and aviation. Born in Chicago in 1920, McNeil developed an early interest in aviation and weather, inspired by observing aircraft and the Graf Zeppelin as a child. McNeil recounts his entry into the U.S.

In this interview I.M. Pei, chief architect of the Mesa Laboratory and the Fleischmann Building, speaks passionately about his inspirations; the placement of the structures and the relationship between building and setting; the design process, down to the selection of materials; and how the Mesa Laboratory marked a very important turning point in his career.

Copyright Information: Copyright University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

On April 23, 1999, Laura Cochran interviewed Irwin Abrams at his home in Acton, Massachusetts, for the Simmons College Oral History Archives. Abrams, a meteorologist, discusses his career trajectory, starting with his education at New York University and his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. He describes his entry into the meteorology field through the Air Force’s meteorology program and his first assignment in the Azores, where his forecasting skills were crucial for military flight operations during the Berlin Blockade.

On August 2, 2007, Jeffrey S. Gaffney interviewed Dr. James N. Pitts Jr., Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Riverside, and Research Chemist at the University of California, Irvine, for the Tape Recorded Interview Project. Dr. Pitts discusses his extensive career in atmospheric chemistry, his contributions to understanding and addressing air pollution, and his role as a co-founder and former director of the University of California Statewide Air Pollution Research Center.

Topics include: Mesa Lab site; time on Boulder City Council; time in Climax; Boulder's open space policy; Walter Orr Roberts; Mesa Lab construction; I.M. Pei; fund raising; HAO; Mesa Lab design; computers; roof leaks; Aspen Institute; music; the humanities and science.

Copyright Information: Copyright University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

On September 22, 1990, Julius London interviewed Jerome Spar in Glen Rock, New Jersey. Spar, who entered meteorology in 1940 after earning a physics degree from City College of New York, discusses his long career in the field, starting with his graduate studies in meteorology at New York University (NYU) under Athelstan Spilhaus. Spar recounts his service in the Army Air Corps Weather Service during World War II, including assignments in Presque Isle, Maine, and Goose Bay, Labrador. After the war, Spar returned to NYU as an instructor, later earning his Master's and Ph.D.

Robert Chervin interviewed Dr. Jerry Mahlman at the NCAR Foothills Laboratory for the Tape Recorded Interview Project sponsored by the American Meteorological Society and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Mahlman reflects on his early life, highlighting formative influences from his family and early work experiences. He discusses his upbringing in Crawford, Nebraska, during the Great Depression and his fascination with severe weather and science, which began in childhood.

On October 21, 1994, Will Kellogg interviewed Joachim P. Kuettner at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Kuettner reflects on significant aspects of his career, including his pioneering work on atmospheric and oceanic phenomena. He discusses his early scientific interests, influenced by experiences as a glider pilot, which led to his research on atmospheric electricity, mountain waves, and cloud formations.

On November 27, 2002, Richard Anthes interviewed Joanne and Robert Simpson about their careers, experiences, and personal histories. Robert discusses his childhood, including growing up in Texas during the 1919 hurricane and his early interest in music, which led to a brief career as a music teacher. He reflects on his education and career shifts, including his work at the Weather Bureau and his eventual retirement.

On September 6, 1989, Margaret LeMone interviewed Joanne Simpson for the American Meteorological Society’s interview project. Simpson, a pioneering meteorologist, discusses her early interest in science, particularly mathematics, and her academic journey, which began at the University of Chicago. She reflects on her experiences in World War II-era meteorology training and her shift toward a career in meteorology, particularly focusing on tropical convection and cumulus clouds.