Warren Washington

Born on 28 August 1936 in Portland, Oregon, Warren Washington is an atmospheric scientist who developed some of the first computer models of Earth’s atmosphere and has led several governmental and scientific bodies. Washington earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and master’s in meteorology from Oregon State University. He then attended Pennsylvania State University, where in 1964 he became the second African American to receive a PhD in meteorology. Since 1963 Washington has worked at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. He started out working with colleague Akira Kasahara to create some of the first computer models of circulation in the atmosphere. Over time Washington and others made those models more comprehensive by incorporating the contributions of oceans, sea ice, and other factors. Such models have become important tools for studying climate change. In 1978 Washington was appointed by President Carter to the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere. He went on to advise nearly every president since and to participate in groups such as the NSF-governing National Science Board, which he chaired from 2002 to 2006. In 1994 he served as president of the American Meteorological Society, the first African American to hold that position. In 2010 Washington received the National Medal of Science from President Obama for his efforts both in climate modeling and in mentoring students “to support a diverse science and engineering workforce.” (Photo credit: AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Ronald E. Mickens Collection)

Date in History: 28 August 1936