Frederick Sanders
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.
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On January 14, 2004, Kristine C. Harper interviewed Frederick Sanders for an oral history project. Sanders, born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 17, 1923, shares his extensive career in meteorology. He discusses his academic journey, starting with a strong interest in mathematics, and his decision to pursue meteorology through a U.S. Army Air Corps training program during World War II. Sanders recounts his experiences at MIT, where he advanced in meteorology and contributed to the development of forecasting techniques, including his collaboration with Ed Kessler. He also reflects on his teaching career at MIT, where he eventually became a full professor. Sanders’ professional journey includes his research in synoptic meteorology and his contributions to operational forecasting. He emphasizes the role of communication in meteorology and recounts key professional collaborations, particularly with Steve Mullen. The interview highlights Sanders’ lifelong commitment to meteorology, his academic contributions, and the evolution of meteorological practices throughout his career.
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