diversity in the sciences and ncar: a very brief history

Warren M. WashingtonNational Center for Atmospheric

Research

NCARSeptember 25, 2012

Diversity in the Sciences and NCAR:

A Very Brief History

Overview• Brief history of diversity and my involvement • Why is diversity important? 1960s and now.• Career Development: Critical elements that helped

launch my career: hurdles/challenges• Advice to early career scientists and staff• What is the history of NCAR’s contributions in this

area?• Leadership and science positions• Before SOARS and SOARS now

From Istockphoto.com

The real world is made up of many races and cultures. The world is getting flat as demonstrated by travel, internet, and trade. No culture lives in isolation. We can live in a multi-cultural world and still maintain our culture.

Before SOARS and SOARS now

SOARS (Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science)

Minorities students from undergraduate to graduate with

hands on science, mentoring, and research experience

147 students since 1996, many master and PhD graduates

My Early Experiences• My childhood, high school, college, graduate

school

• Joining NCAR….how I was selected

• Working with Akira Kasahara on building early NCAR atmospheric models

• Interactions with broader community encouraged by early founders of UCAR and NCAR.

• Before SOARS and SOARS now

A young climate modeler

!

Akira Kasahara and Me

Are these two guys brothers?

Positions• 1975 Senior Scientist at NCAR

• Presidential Appointments: Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton

• National Science Board, Chair 4 years

• First Academy committee on Climate (1972)

• Presently, Chair of NRC US Global Change Research Committee, 13 agencies/departments $2.7B

“A Night with Warren Washington”

An interview of Warren Washington by Dr. Ralph Cicerone, President of The National Academy of Sciences

Taped on June 11, 2012. To be shown on PBS stations this winter.

Advice for young and old

staff• Continue to develop your expertise• Contribute to “larger” efforts as

well to just what you are involved in.

• Various ladders, have made it more difficult, but that’s NCAR/UCAR modern way.

• Continue to learn

Professions: Public Trust

From National ScienceBoard S & E Indicators

(2012)

We are high!

The End

Thank you for asking me to speak.