UC Santa Cruz, a renowned university in California, has recently joined the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a nonprofit consortium of 126 colleges and universities across North America. This membership enables UC Santa Cruz to become part of an extensive network that includes almost all academic programs in Earth system science on the continent.
As a member of UCAR, UC Santa Cruz will have access to over 30 professional development opportunities. These opportunities range from internships where students can gain hands-on research experience alongside top scientists to fellowships that support the next generation of Earth system scientists, and even potential careers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research – a leading modeling center involved in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The membership of UC Santa Cruz aligns well with its strategic plan for climate change, sustainability, and resilience, as well as its goal to inspire diverse students to pursue careers in science. The university’s associate professors Claudie Beaulieu from the Ocean Sciences department and Nicole Feldl from the Earth & Planetary Sciences department are representing UC Santa Cruz in UCAR. They led the application process with assistance from Ocean Sciences and Applied Mathematics departments.
Beaulieu emphasized the significance of UC Santa Cruz joining UCAR, highlighting its impactful research and educational activities in Earth system science, including atmospheric science, climate science, hydrology, oceanography, biogeochemistry, and solar physics. Feldl expressed excitement about discussions surrounding Earth system predictability and stressed the urgency of making credible predictions about future climate based on accurate observations. She also recognized UCAR’s role in promoting coordinated research efforts in climate science.
In conclusion, UC Santa Cruz’s membership in UCAR brings it many benefits while aligning well with its strategic plan for climate change research and education. This membership will undoubtedly lead to more collaborative research opportunities and help inspire students to pursue careers in this vital field.
