It’s election season at AMS! Each fall, eligible AMS members select a President-Elect and AMS Council representatives, and voting is now officially open until November 11. Visit the AMS Election page for all the details, including statements and biographies for every candidate. To help you get to know them better, Headlines asked each candidate three questions, and here we feature the two nominees for President-Elect: Melissa Burt of Colorado State University and Sue Ellen Haupt of the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research. In addition to providing their answers, Burt and Haupt also shared short videos to introduce themselves—click on their pictures below to view their videos. And be sure to check out all of our candidate Q&As on AMS Headlines.
Melissa Burt
Why is being a member of AMS important to you?
The AMS community has shaped my career in countless ways. It has connected me with lifelong colleagues and friends, fostered science and education collaborations, and provided opportunities to learn, lead, and give back. What I have valued the most is the community of people who are deeply committed to advancing our science while supporting one another.
What has been your most memorable experience as an AMS member?
It’s impossible to choose just one! One that stands out is giving a keynote at the AMS Student Conference. It felt like a true full-circle moment. As I looked out at the audience of excited (and maybe a little nervous) students, I couldn’t help but think back to attending the Third AMS Student Conference as a student myself. Many of the people who I met and looked up to are now colleagues and friends. It reminded me of the incredible impact AMS has had on my own journey and the opportunity we have to inspire the next generation.
What is one of your favorite activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I love anything creative. You’ll often find me baking fancy cakes (especially for my daughter’s birthday), working on a craft project, or sitting by the pool (or patio) with a good book. Recently, I’ve been into romance books and shopping at our local romance bookshop.
Sue Ellen Haupt
Why is being a member of AMS important to you?
I have been a member of AMS since I was an undergraduate at Penn State a long time ago. AMS has always been part of my professional life and my connection to the larger weather, water, and climate community. Not only do I enjoy engaging with other scientists at AMS Annual Meetings and specialty meetings, but I have also learned that together, we can accomplish a lot. The AMS commission/committee/board ecosystem is incredibly rich, and a wonderful way to connect with others who have similar interests. We can work together to foster research on those interests as well as to take steps to inform the greater society of our science.
What has been your most memorable experience as an AMS member?
I want to share a very recent wonderful experience. At this year’s Joint AMS Washington Forum and Summer Community Meeting, we had the opportunity to participate in the kickoff for the bipartisan Congressional Weather Enterprise Caucus on Capitol Hill. I found it exhilarating to be there listening to congressmen of both parties speak about the importance of weather information and to share the excitement that we are actually being heard and someone is advocating for our community. Thanks to the American Weather Enterprise Association for enabling this important event.
What is one of your favorite activities outside of work?
I enjoy hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing, particularly in the beautiful mountains of Colorado where I live. Doing so with family—husband, children, and grandchildren—makes it even better. These activities also offer opportunities to travel to new areas with mountains or other natural scenery to enjoy the great outdoors and the ever-changing weather.
