The theme of the January 4th, 2015, Colour of Weather Reception mirrored the AMS theme of "Fulfilling the Vision of Weather, Water, and Climate Information for Every Need, Time, and Place".
Colour of Weather, Inc, the Howard University Chapter of Graduate Student Association of Atmospheric Science (GSAAS), American Meteorological Society, and NOAA Center for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) co-hosted the 14th annual networking and diversity reception at the 95th Annual Meeting of the AMS in Phoenix, AZ.
This year's Colour of Weather reception went exceptionally well. There were over 200 people in attendance, and often standing room only. The interactive format received positive feedback from students and professionals. Additionally, the reception garnered participation from four (4) AMS past-presidents; the outgoing president, as well as the president-elect of AMS. Vernon Morris, PhD, NCAS Director and co-founder of the Colour of Weather, Inc., said of the event, "…I think that it made a lasting impression on the students - especially those who could not attend the entire [AMS] meeting."
Of the undergraduate and graduate students in attendance, a significant number were former NCAS CAREERS Weather Camp alumni. These alumni attended one or more of the CAREERS weather camps in the NCAS network of camps throughout the US.
The next generation of scientists serving the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences community will be drawn from an American population that is more culturally and ethnically diverse than ever before. Thus, as custodians of our respective professions, today's scientists look to the future with great anticipation, and the duty to encourage our brightest talents to pursue careers in the geosciences. By providing access to leaders in the field, we’re engaging the next generation in ways that promote meaningful exchanges and encourage them to follow their passion for science.
