Elbert W. "Joe" Friday, Jr.
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
The American Meteorological Society Oral History Project (AMSOHP) aims to capture the history of the atmospheric sciences as told by scientists, administrators, and others working in the field. The collection is especially rich in interviews that capture the memories of scientists who launched much of the innovative meteorological research in post-war America.
To browse this collection and others, please visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Archives: https://aspace.archives.ucar.edu/
On July 25, 2003, Kristine C. Harper interviewed Dr. Elbert W. “Joe” Friday, Jr. at the American Meteorological Society in Washington, D.C. Dr. Friday recounts his childhood in DeQueen, Arkansas, and his family’s frequent relocations due to his father's military career, which exposed him to varied geographical experiences across the United States. Friday discusses his educational journey, highlighting his undergraduate studies in engineering physics at the University of Oklahoma, which included early exposure to meteorology, and the decision to pursue a military commission in the Air Force through ROTC.
Throughout his career, Friday was deeply involved in meteorological research, including the development of early computer applications in weather forecasting. He reflects on the formative experiences working with classified projects, such as the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, and the evolution of military meteorological support systems in collaboration with various scientific teams. Friday’s career includes pivotal roles in advancing the application of computer modeling in atmospheric sciences, ultimately leading him to impactful positions where he contributed to national defense through meteorological insights and innovations.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.