Mrinal Biswas is a project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. He initially pursued a bachelor's degree in mathematics before transitioning to applied science, earning a master's degree in geophysics. His interest in meteorology was sparked by a severe cyclone that hit Odisha, India, in 1999, causing a significant loss of life. This event, coupled with the influence of a professor who taught tropical meteorology, led him to specialize in this field. Biswas completed his master's degree in India and then moved on to his PhD. He first attended the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, where he learned how to run a mesoscale model on a supercomputer. He then moved to a different institute in India, where he worked on nonlinear scale interactions. Biswas later joined Florida State University as a research associate with Dr. T.N. Krishnamurti, a significant influence in his life and career.

Scope and Content Note:
This interview with Mrinal Biswas, conducted by Jinny Nathans, AMS archivist, on April 17th, 2018, provides insight into Biswas's career and his journey into the field of meteorology. Biswas discusses his initial interest in mathematics, his transition to applied science, and his decision to specialize in meteorology following a devastating cyclone in India in 1999. He also talks about his academic journey, including his time at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi and his work on mesoscale modeling and nonlinear scale interactions. Biswas shares his experiences working with Dr. T.N. Krishnamurti at Florida State University and the significant influence Krishnamurti had on his career. The interview concludes with a discussion on the differences between meteorologists and climate scientists, and the challenges they face in their respective fields. Biswas also briefly mentions his work on short-term forecasts of tropical cyclones.