Sepi Yalda

Location of Interview
Collection Name

American Meteorological Society Centennial Oral History Project

Description

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of theAmerican Meteorological Society, interviews were conducted with its many members and leaders.  These interviews serve to recognize the strength, diversity, and accomplishments of the AMS community, from the beginning right up to today.

For more information, visit: ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams100/oral-histories/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
01-08-2019
Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Abstract

Sepi Yalda is a distinguished academic in the field of atmospheric sciences. She began her association with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) as a graduate student, attending her first AMS annual meeting during this time. This experience played a significant role in shaping her educational path and career development, providing her with opportunities to network, present her work, and interact with other professionals in the field. Yalda's involvement with AMS extended beyond her student years. As a faculty member, she served on several committees, notably the Board on Women and Minorities. This role allowed her to engage with issues and challenges faced by women and minorities pursuing careers in atmospheric and related sciences. She is particularly proud of her tenure as chair of the Board on Women and Minorities, during which the Coriolis reception was initiated and established. In her 21st year in academia, Yalda continues to actively participate in AMS activities, bringing students to the annual conference and contributing to the establishment of the student conference. She has also developed an interest in the history of science, leading to her involvement with the History of Meteorology Committee and the development of a course on the history of meteorology.

Scope and Content Note
This interview, conducted by Jinny Nathans at the AMS annual meeting in Phoenix on January 8, 2019, provides an in-depth look at Sepi Yalda's involvement with the AMS and her contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences. Yalda discusses her initial involvement with AMS as a graduate student and how this experience influenced her career path. She highlights the importance of the AMS annual meeting as a platform for networking, presenting work, and professional development. She also talks about her role on the Board on Women and Minorities, including her tenure as chair. Yalda discusses the board's activities, such as hosting an annual luncheon for women in atmospheric science and conducting surveys to understand the changing membership of the Society. She emphasizes the board's commitment to addressing critical issues for the membership and the broader atmospheric sciences community. Yalda further discusses her interest in the history of science, which led to her involvement with the History of Meteorology Committee and the development of a course on the history of meteorology. She underscores the importance of understanding the history of science in teaching science and addressing diversity issues in the field. Yalda also shares her experiences working on historical biographies and her tenure as chair of the History Committee. She expresses her satisfaction with the growth of the History Symposium and the increased representation of the history component in the Centennial celebration and as one of the main initiatives. Throughout the interview, Yalda emphasizes the importance of AMS in her career and the broader atmospheric sciences community. She highlights the Society's commitment to diversity, education, and the progress of the field. Her experiences and insights provide a valuable perspective on the role of AMS and its impact on individuals and the field as a whole.


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