For students in Texas A&M University’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences, the Texas A&M student chapter of the American Meteorological Society (TAMSCAMS) is more than just a club—it’s a cornerstone of their college experience. Since its founding in 1956, the organization has provided countless opportunities for students to connect, learn and grow, making it one of the most active and respected student organizations on campus.
It offers a wide range of resources, from professional development to community-building events, all designed to help members succeed in meteorology. Guest speakers from across the field, including broadcast meteorologists, National Weather Service professionals and private-sector experts, regularly share insights and career advice, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.
“Our chapter’s goal is to prepare students for the real world while fostering a strong sense of community,” said TAMSCAMS President Kate Stapleton. “Whether through professional connections, educational trips or social events, we want every member to feel supported and ready for their next steps.”
This commitment to student preparation contributed to TAMSCAMS being named the 2024 Student Chapter of the Year by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The award, announced at the 105th AMS Annual Conference in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 15, recognizes the winning chapter’s success in fostering professional growth, hands-on learning and a strong sense of community—qualities that define the Texas A&M student chapter. It marked the first time in 20 years that TAMSCAMS brought this prestigious honor back to Aggieland.
One of the chapter's standout features is its emphasis on hands-on learning, with members gaining practical experience through signature programs like Texas Aggie Storm Chasers and TAMU Weather Broadcasting.
Texas Aggie Storm Chasers offers students the chance to apply classroom knowledge through actual storm chasing. Members track and observe cloud formations and storm structures firsthand, participating in real-time discussions about severe weather. The group focuses on safety and helps students develop key skills in forecasting, nowcasting (short-term weather predictions, typically lasting minutes to hours), communication and teamwork. They also use ham radios supported by W5AC, the Texas A&M Amateur Radio Club, to stay connected in areas with unreliable cell service.
TAMU Weather Broadcasting allows students to sharpen their scientific communication and presentation skills by producing weather updates for radio and TV broadcasts. These broadcasts air on local radio stations KAMU and KTRL, as well as on KAMU-TV, the local PBS affiliate. This hands-on experience helps students develop the skills needed for public-facing roles in meteorology.
Beyond professional development, the club also organizes unique social events that foster community.
“One of our most successful events was our In-or-Out nights,” said Stapleton, a senior double-major in meteorology and oceanography. “We hosted two simultaneous socials—one was an introvert-friendly on-campus activity, and the other was an off-campus activity like bowling or a trampoline park. This gave members a comfortable way to connect and unwind from school.”
Another popular event is Trick-Or-Treat with the Professors, where undergraduates visit professors in costume at their offices. This gives students a valuable opportunity to interact with faculty members with whom they might not otherwise meet.
TAMSCAMS has also established connections outside of the Texas A&M campus. Last year, members traveled to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, for an SEC football game—a 34-24 Aggie win—and built relationships with fellow meteorology students. Looking ahead, the group plans to visit the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and the University of Oklahoma’s AMS chapter to encourage professional growth and student collaboration.
With over 100 members and a legacy spanning nearly seven decades, TAMSCAMS has had a lasting impact on its students. Faculty advisor Dr. Erik Nielsen, who served as the chapter president during his undergraduate years at Texas A&M, highlighted the organization’s continued influence.
“TAMSCAMS is much more than a student organization,” Nielsen said. “It’s a space where students develop professionally, form lifelong friendships and gain hands-on experience that sets them apart. It truly exemplifies the Aggie spirit.”