On April 29, 2013, Richard A. Anthes interviewed Dr. Clifford Jacobs for the National Center for Atmospheric Research Oral History Project at the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquarters. Dr. Jacobs reflects on his early interest in science, particularly inspired by Jacques Cousteau’s invention of the aqualung, and his experiences in scuba diving and mechanical projects during his youth. He recounts his academic journey, obtaining a mathematics degree and a master’s in oceanography at Texas A&M, followed by a Ph.D.

Granville E. Paules, III is a distinguished electrical engineer whose academic foundation was laid at the University of Texas, Austin, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He served in the United States Navy.  Following his military service, Paules embarked on a career at NASA. At NASA, he assumed various roles that spanned the Flight Control Division, Operations Division, and Space Station Directorate. After his tenure at NASA, Paules transitioned to the field of transportation research and development.

Scott B. Gudes was born on August 16, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, to a family with roots tracing back to Eastern Europe. His grandparents, all born in the late 1890s, were Jewish immigrants seeking freedom from persecution and economic opportunity. His upbringing in Buena Park and Fullerton, California, cultivated a deep passion for the ocean, with Gudes often found fishing or enjoying the beaches of Newport and Laguna.