Steve Koch is a seasoned atmospheric scientist with a rich career spanning academia, government, and research institutions. He began his journey in the field of atmospheric sciences around 1974. Koch's early career involved working with Mike Kaplan, Mel Shapiro, and Dan Keyser, where he developed a keen interest in the dynamics of inertial gravity waves and their significant role in organized convection, tornado outbreaks, and downstream development at larger scales. Koch's academic journey led him to the University of Oklahoma, where he completed his doctorate in 1974. After his doctorate, he joined the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies (CIMMS) as a postdoctoral researcher, becoming the second employee of the newly founded institute. His career took a significant turn when he received a call from Louis, a former colleague, who encouraged him to interview for a position at Goddard. This opportunity marked the beginning of his career at Goddard with Atlas and Simpson. At Goddard, Koch worked under Louis, who assigned him his first task as a NASA team member. This experience marked his first time working as part of a team, a shift from the individual-focused work of a PhD student. Koch's work at Goddard allowed him to explore data related to convection initiation and gravity lines. He was given the freedom to pursue his interests, which led him to develop a reputation as an expert on gravity waves related to jet streak dynamics. Koch later served as the director of the Global Systems Division, part of the Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder. Currently, he is the director of the National Severe Storms Lab, a position he has held for seven years. Throughout his career, Koch has been an active member of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), contributing as an associate editor, serving on various boards, and nominating individuals for prestigious awards [3]. He is also a fellow of the AMS.

Scope and Content Note:
This interview with Steve Koch, conducted by Jinny Nathans on June 6, 2018, provides a comprehensive overview of Koch's career trajectory, his contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences, and his experiences in various roles. The interview begins with Koch discussing his membership with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and his various roles and contributions to the society. He reflects on his experiences working with various individuals, including Mike Kaplan, Mel Shapiro, and Dan Keyser, and how these interactions shaped his understanding of atmospheric dynamics and gravity waves. Koch also discusses his time at Goddard, where he worked under Louis and was given the freedom to explore his interests in convection initiation and gravity lines. He shares how this freedom and encouragement led him to develop a reputation as an expert on gravity waves related to jet streak dynamics. The interview also covers Koch's experiences as the director of the Global Systems Division and the National Severe Storms Lab. He shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of providing team members with the resources and freedom to explore their interests and protect them from administrative distractions. Koch also discusses his commitment to mentoring underrepresented minorities in the field of atmospheric sciences, a value he attributes to his experiences working with Anderson and Simpson. The interview concludes with Koch reflecting on the importance of networking and building relationships in the field of meteorology, sharing a personal anecdote about how a seemingly menial job early in his career led to significant opportunities later on. Overall, this interview provides valuable insights into Koch's career, his contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences, and his perspectives on leadership, mentorship, and networking.