Joanne and Robert Simpson
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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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. Robert describes his service in the Weather Bureau, including his time in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Brownsville, where he faced challenges as a physicist in a field dominated by engineering professionals.
Joanne shares her own background, touching on her early career in meteorology and her experiences working with the Weather Bureau, where she met Robert. They recount their shared career in meteorology and the circumstances that led to their marriage. The couple discusses their work in various locations and their contributions to meteorological research and weather forecasting, with Robert providing insights into the evolution of weather observation techniques and their professional roles.
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