The UW Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science has named undergraduate Zayna Haider as the inaugural recipient of the Steve Pool Memorial Fund for Students in Atmospheric and Climate Science, recognizing her academic excellence and interest in atmospheric and climate science.

Zayna Haider

Zayna Haider, recipient of the Steve Pool Memorial Fund for Students in Atmospheric and Climate Science

“I’m honored to be the first person to receive this incredible scholarship,” Haider said. “This will help me to continue my education in atmospheric and climate science and pursue my dream of having a career in atmospheric chemistry.”

The scholarship is part of the Steve Pool Memorial Fund for Students in Atmospheric and Climate Science, created through the generosity of a consortium of donors to support undergraduate students in the Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science, part of the UW College of the Environment. Selected by an undergraduate scholarship committee, Haider stood out among a strong pool of applicants for her dedication, academic excellence and commitment to advancing understanding of weather, atmospheric chemistry and climate.

A beloved Seattle broadcaster, Steve Pool began his career as an intern at KOMO-TV while he was a student at the University of Washington. After graduating in 1978, Pool went on to become a trusted weather forecaster, earning eight Emmy Awards and appearing numerous times on Good Morning America. He also hosted the long-running local program Front Runners and authored “Somewhere, I Was Right,” a book about the unpredictable nature of Pacific Northwest weather. In 2004, he was inducted into the University of Washington Department of Communication Hall of Fame.

“Steve was not only an extraordinarily talented weather broadcaster, but put great effort into training generations of UW students in effective science communication, profoundly enhancing their skills and starting many on productive careers,” said Cliff Mass, a professor of atmospheric and climate science who helped train Pool as a meteorologist.

As the scholarship fund continues to grow, it is designed to provide direct financial assistance to undergraduate students based on academic merit, helping to cover tuition, books and other educational expenses. Haider’s selection as the first recipient marks an important milestone in advancing that mission.

“I am thrilled to see Zayna receive this scholarship,” said Becky Alexander, professor and chair of the department. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with her, and she is well deserving of this award.”
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To learn more about the Steve Pool Memorial Fund and how you may contribute, please reach out to Elliott Gore, Associate Director of Advancement.