Arlene Laing is a distinguished meteorologist who currently serves as the coordinating director designate for the Caribbean Meteorological Organization, a coordinating agency for sixteen English-speaking Caribbean territories with meteorological services. She began her role in this position in June 2018. Laing's educational background includes a degree in meteorology from the University of the West Indies, and a Master’s and PhD in meteorology from Penn State University. Her interest in meteorology was sparked at a young age when she received a book titled "The Weather" as a prize in primary school. This interest was further nurtured in high school where she had the opportunity to take weather observations and learn how to draw isobars and track hurricanes. Laing has been a member of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) since 1992, starting as a graduate student at Penn State. Over the years, she has served on several AMS committees for conferences, including the tropical conference and the satellite meteorology STAC.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Arlene Laing, conducted by Jinny Nathans, archivist at the American Meteorological Society, on June 6, 2018, provides an in-depth look into Laing's career and contributions to the field of meteorology. The interview begins with Laing discussing her current role as the coordinating director designate for the Caribbean Meteorological Organization. She then delves into her educational background, detailing her journey from a degree in meteorology from the University of the West Indies to a Master’s and PhD in meteorology from Penn State University. Laing shares the story of her early interest in meteorology, sparked by a book she received as a prize in primary school, and how this interest was nurtured through high school geography lessons and weather observations. The interview also covers Laing's involvement with the AMS, starting from her time as a graduate student in 1992, to her various roles on AMS committees. She discusses her reasons for volunteering and her experiences working in a field where women are underrepresented, noting the progress that has been made in recent years. Laing expresses both excitement and apprehension about her new role and her desire to give back to the Caribbean region. She acknowledges the mentors who have influenced her career, including her primary school teacher, Mrs. Inez Jackson, her graduate advisor Mike Fritsch, Dr. John Lee, and her mother, an elementary school teacher. The interview concludes with Laing expressing gratitude to AMS for providing opportunities for students and young professionals, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community in her career.