For Bill Ryan, a career in meteorology was the result of curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to chart an unconventional path. After beginning his professional life as an attorney, Ryan followed a lifelong fascination with weather into atmospheric science, where mentorship and education played pivotal roles in his success.
Through the John T. Ryan Fund, he hopes to help introduce students to meteorology at an early age, inspire them to develop the math and science skills needed to pursue the field, and create opportunities for the next generation of atmospheric scientists. Ryan spoke with AMS Headlines about his career journey, the mentors who shaped him, and why investing in future scientists matters.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and how it led to your involvement with AMS?
I started out as a history major in college and then went on to law school. I practiced with a law firm that specialized in airplane crashes. As a junior lawyer, I prepared the “minor” witnesses, which often included meteorologists. They were there to testify that the crash wasn’t an “Act of God,” which carried implications with respect to insurance coverage.
It seemed to me that their work was so much more interesting. Being a sailor since a very young age, I was always attuned to the weather. Eventually, I took a leave of absence and enrolled in remedial calculus, chemistry, physics, and other courses at the University of Illinois Chicago to build the scientific background I needed to pursue meteorology.
Was there a particular experience or mentor that inspired you to give back through this fund?
A key mentor for me was Dr. George Huffman at the University of Maryland. It was really luck of the draw. When I called Maryland for advice on what undergraduate courses I should take, I was connected to George, and he gave me a rundown of everything I needed to learn.
A year or so later, when I applied to graduate school, I received a graduate fellowship at Maryland, and George became my first advisor. His guidance played an important role in helping me find my way into the field.
What inspired you to establish the John T. Ryan Fund?
I can’t tell you how many adults, when they learn that I’m a meteorologist, tell me how much they love the weather but didn’t keep up with math and physics and found themselves kind of locked out of the field.
If we can get meteorology in front of kids early enough and show them how math education informs the field, we can get them hooked on the idea that math is necessary and give them a reason to keep up with it. Down the road, they’ll have the background needed to continue in the field.
What do you hope the fund will achieve for students and future scientists?
Mainly, I hope it gives students a reason to learn math and later physics so they have the background necessary to continue on in meteorology and atmospheric science.
How do you envision the fund supporting the broader mission of AMS?
By attracting good students to the field through early exposure to the opportunities available in meteorology and related sciences. The earlier students understand that a career in atmospheric science is possible, the more likely they are to develop the skills they’ll need to pursue it.
How do you hope your contribution will inspire others to support scientific advancement?
Training teachers in weather science concepts will provide students with ready-made mentors who can support and encourage them. Investing in educators creates a ripple effect that can reach countless students over time.
Looking back, what role did research or mentorship play in your own development as a scientist and professional?
When I started out in meteorology, I didn’t think I was “smart” enough to continue in the field. Part of that was not having had a course in meteorology until graduate school. If I had more preparation earlier in my academic career, I think my development would have been greatly enhanced.
Mentorship helped me see a path forward and gave me confidence that I belonged in the field.
Was there a particular moment when you realized the importance of supporting the next generation?
I came to meteorology later in life, and it was a hard slog. I’ve always thought that if I had been exposed to meteorology as a science earlier in life, it would have been an easier path. That realization has stayed with me throughout my career and is a big reason why I want to help create opportunities for others.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people considering a career in atmospheric science, what would it be?
Keep grinding at the math. Find a mentor. If you can just get in the door, the people in this field are, almost without exception, good and supportive teachers. This carries over into the work environment as well.
Meteorology is a great field if you’re curious. The people you will meet are collaborative, supportive, and willing to help you succeed.
