Robert H. Simpson
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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Edward Zipser interviewed Robert H. Simpson at NCAR. Simpson discusses his early life, education, and family background, highlighting his pioneering Texas ancestry. He describes his early interest in weather, sparked by experiencing the 1919 hurricane in Corpus Christi. Simpson's academic journey included a degree in physics, although his professional path initially diverged through a career in music and architecture. After the 1929 economic crash, he shifted back to physics, later finding work in meteorology with the U.S. Weather Bureau. Simpson recounts his experiences with early weather stations, including a pivotal assignment at Swan Island and his eventual promotion to forecaster in New Orleans. Throughout the interview, he reflects on the influence of mentors, the challenges of working in meteorology during the Great Depression, and his career advancements, which were largely shaped by his commitment to research and a growing fascination with hurricanes.
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