Samuel G.H. (George) Philander is the Knox Taylor Professor of Geosciences, Emeritus, at Princeton University and is best known for his work on tropical oceans. Philander’s discovery of the recurring La Niña weather pattern and his seminal work on the related El Niño phenomenon dramatically improved scientists’ understanding of those enormous ocean-atmosphere climate interactions. His contributions continue to be important for governmental and economic planners in preparation for the cyclical effects of these powerful climate fluctuations. Philander is a fellow of the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.