The programme, which ran from 2001 to 2018, produced at least 50 African American and 30 Latinx PhD graduates in atmospheric sciences in the United States. According to Morris, this achievement is a testament to the programme's success in addressing the underrepresentation of Black scientists in the field. "We were able to create a pipeline of talented Black scientists who are now making significant contributions to our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere," Morris said in an interview. "This is a critical step towards a more inclusive and diverse scientific community."

The programme's impact extends beyond the graduates it produced. It also helped to establish Howard University as a hub for atmospheric science research, attracting top talent from around the country. The university's atmospheric science department has since become a model for other HBCUs, demonstrating the potential for these institutions to produce high-quality research and graduates.

Morris's efforts to increase diversity in atmospheric science have not gone unnoticed. His work has been recognized by the National Science Foundation, which awarded him a grant to support the development of the PhD programme. Morris has also been featured in the Nature magazine's Changemakers series, which highlights individuals who have fought racism in science and championed inclusion.

The legacy of Morris's programme continues to be felt today. Many of the programme's graduates have gone on to secure positions at top research institutions, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Others have started their own research groups, continuing the work of Morris and his team.

As the field of atmospheric science continues to evolve, Morris's work serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion. "We need to continue to support and empower underrepresented groups in science, so that they can contribute to the development of new ideas and solutions," Morris said. "This is essential for advancing our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and for addressing the complex challenges that we face as a society."