AIKEN, S.C. – In a first for DOE, a Department-affiliated meteorologist has been named president-elect of the American Meteorological Society (AMS).

   Matthew J. Parker, a meteorologist with EM’s Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) who specializes in meteorological measurements and instrumentation, will help guide AMS outreach and policy.

   “Weather and climate information have been utilized effectively by the traditional energy industries for decades. Today, there is increasing need for improved wind and solar forecasts to support the burgeoning renewable energy sector. DOE has a huge role to play, and it is fitting that this is reflected within the leadership of the AMS,” Parker said.

   Representing the society’s 13,000 members, Parker will lead the organization’s governing body and enhance partnerships with other countries to share measurement and forecast model data. He also plans to provide outreach to industry, academia, and the public.

   “The AMS covers an incredible breadth of activities in what we call the weather, water, and climate enterprise,” he said.  

   Communicating accurate forecasts effectively to the emergency management community, businesses, and the general public is an invaluable service, according to Parker.

   “Our nation must continue to develop a national infrastructure that is resilient to the climate of the future. The demand for such information to make these critical long-term decisions is extremely high right now,” he added.

   A graduate of North Carolina State University, Parker has been a meteorologist with SRNL’s Atmospheric Technologies Group (ATG) since 1989. ATG specializes in weather forecasting, meteorological measurements, atmospheric modeling of airborne contaminants, and emergency response support for government and industry clients.

   Founded in 1919, AMS is the nation’s premier scientific and professional organization promoting and disseminating information about the atmospheric, oceanic and hydrologic sciences. The membership includes scientists, researchers, educators, broadcast meteorologists, students, and other professionals in the fields of weather, water, and climate. 

   A multi-program applied research and development laboratory, SRNL applies state-of-the-art science and engineering to provide practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions for the nation’s environmental cleanup, nuclear security, and clean energy challenges.