Robert C. Cowen
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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On May 29, 2001, Gene Bierly interviewed Robert C. Cowen in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the American Meteorological Society’s Tape Recorded Interview Project. Born in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1927, Cowen describes his upbringing in Boston and his educational journey, which led him to study meteorology at MIT. Cowen discusses his decision to switch from aeronautical engineering to meteorology, his experiences at MIT during and after World War II, and his relationships with influential figures in the meteorology department, such as Tom Malone, Henry Houghton, and Victor Starr. He reflects on his academic career, including his Ph.D. work, and his transition to science journalism, particularly his role as the science editor at the Christian Science Monitor. Cowen highlights key moments in his career, including his reporting on nuclear physics, space exploration, and climate science. He also discusses his involvement with the development of weather satellites, the World Weather Watch program, and interdisciplinary research initiatives such as NCAR and the International Geophysical Year. Throughout the interview, Cowen provides insight into the evolving relationship between science and the media, the challenges of science communication, and the significant developments in atmospheric sciences during his career.
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