Fred White
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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On January 26, 1994, Earl Droessler interviewed Dr. Fred White at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, for the American Meteorological Society and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research oral history series. This collaborative interview captures White and Droessler reflecting on their decades-long careers in atmospheric sciences, particularly their roles in establishing the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). The interview delves into the foundational years of NCAR and UCAR, detailing the pivotal contributions of the Berkner Committee, NSF leadership, and influential figures like Henry Houghton and Walt Roberts. White discusses the collaborative efforts between universities and federal agencies, which led to groundbreaking initiatives in atmospheric sciences, including the development of weather modification programs and the creation of major research facilities. The conversation explores early funding challenges, the formation of interdepartmental committees, and the expansion of extramural research support to universities and private organizations. White and Droessler also recount the selection process for NCAR’s first director and site, highlighting the role of key advocates and their strategic decisions that shaped the center's trajectory. The interview concludes with reflections on weather modification research, its federal coordination, and the broader legacy of NSF’s support for atmospheric sciences.
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