Collage of CPAESS staff at 2026 AMS

Collage of CPAESS staff and friends at this year's American Meteorological Society's annual conference.

At the end of January, CPAESS staff joined thousands of scientists, students, and professionals at the American Meteorological Society Meeting in Houston, Texas. This annual gathering provides a dynamic forum for sharing research, fostering collaboration, and advancing innovation across weather, climate, and Earth system science.

CPAESS had a strong and visible presence throughout the meeting, with staff contributing to a wide range of oral and poster presentations. These presentations spanned topics such as atmospheric modeling, climate variability, Earth system predictability, data assimilation, and the application of emerging technologies to improve forecasting and environmental understanding. CPAESS-supported scientists also highlighted interdisciplinary work connecting physical science with societal impacts, including communication, decision support, and community resilience. Together, these reflect the breadth and depth of research supported through CPAESS partnerships.

Beyond formal presentations, CPAESS staff were actively engaged in networking and outreach across the conference. At the Student Conference and Career Fair, staff connected with undergraduate and graduate students, sharing information about internships, fellowships, and career pathways in Earth system science. These conversations play a critical role in building the future workforce and ensuring that emerging scientists are aware of opportunities within federal agencies, academia, and partner institutions. CPAESS also supported engagement efforts at the UCAR | NCAR booth, where staff connected with a broad cross-section of the scientific community and highlighted programs, services, and collaborative opportunities.

A highlight of this year’s meeting was the recognition of Kim Klockow-McClain, CPAESS Senior Scientist, who was named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the atmospheric and related sciences over the course of their careers and underscores Kim’s leadership and impact within the field.

The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting once again demonstrated the importance of bringing the scientific community together to share knowledge, spark new ideas, and strengthen partnerships.