Trump to Nominate U. of Oklahoma Weather Expert to Top Science and Tech Post

Updated (8/2/2018, 9:45 a.m.) with a statment from the University of Oklahoma.

President Trump will nominate a University of Oklahoma meteorologist and administrator as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

University of Oklahoma

Kelvin Droegemeier is an expert in extreme weather, vice president for research, and has taught at the university for more than three decades, according to his CV. He also served on the National Science Board under George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

“Kelvin Droegemeier is an incredibly well-respected scientist and administrator who has accomplished a great deal in his time at the University of Oklahoma,” James L. Gallogly, president of OU, said in a statement on Thursday. “We could not be more excited for his nomination and look forward to the leadership that he will bring our nation in the areas of science and technology.”

Droegemeier’s stance on climate change is not clear, but many in the scientific community are cheering his nomination. Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, told the Post that while she was unsure of his personal views on climate change, his work as an atmospheric scientist suggests that he understands the connection between climate systems and weather. She expressed hope that he will be a “measured influence” on the administration.

The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities also supports Droegemeier’s selection, according to a statement.

“Having such a strong leader as head of OSTP is essential to ensuring science is a key factor considered in the policymaking process,” the statement said. “All Americans are better off when science has a seat at the table.”

The post has been vacant for about 19 months. Droegemeier would have to win confirmation from the U.S. Senate.