Joanne Simpson

      Joanne Simpson was the first woman to receive a Ph.D in meteorology. She was born on March 23, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts. She attended the University of Chicago. She made many significant discoveries, led research projects, and influenced generations of scientists. For instance, she led the team that proposed the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), which is still used today. The TRMM is a meteorological satellite used for mapping tropical precipitation in order to better understand the earth's climate system and to verify climate models. This satellite helps scientists to find factors that influence rainfall. It also can help accurately estimate the latent heat in the tropics. Throughout her career, she faced women oppression. One experience was when she wanted to get her Ph.D in meteorology, her faculty advisor told her that no woman will be able to get their Ph.D in meteorology, and even if she did, no one would hire her. However, she was still able to overcome all oppression and have a huge impact on meteorology today.Joanne Simpson died on March 4, 2010.