Centers and Large Facilities - Education and Outreach

Project Name: Center for Multiscale Modeling of Atmospheric Processes

Location: Colorado State University Dept of Atmospheric Science

Contact information: Christine Aguilar christine@atmoscolostate.edu (970) 491 8361

Main Project description/purpose

The Center for Multi-Scale Modeling of Atmospheric Processes (CMMAP) will focus on improving the representation of cloud processes in climate models. The need for such improvements has been one of the most important limitations on the reliability of climate-change simulations. CMMAP will address this problem through a revolutionary new approach called the multi-scale modeling framework (MMF). Whereas conventional parameterizations are based on statistical theories involving uncertain closure assumptions, MMFs represent cloud processes on their native scales, and include the cloud-scale interactions among the many physical and chemical processes that are active in cloud systems. A very important strength of an MMF is that the results produced can be evaluated by comparison of simulated and observed cloud-scale processes.

CMMAP activities are divided into three areas: Research; Education, Outreach and Diversity; Knowledge Transfer.

Education and Outreach Mission and Goals

Vision Statement for Education
A climate science workforce enhanced by CMMAP’s inspiration and education of students of all levels, policymakers, and the public.

Mission Statement for Education
Educate and train a diverse population in climate and Earth System Science by enhancing teaching and learning at all educational levels, disseminating science results through multiple media, engaging stakeholders and policymakers, and improving science pedagogy.

Mission Statement for Diversity
Increase the number of women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals with disabilities in climate science by aggressively recruiting these groups as CMMAP graduate students and staff members, helping them become excellent scientists and educators, and placing them in leadership positions. Enhance the science and engineering pipeline through mentoring and recruiting at earlier academic levels. Study diversity problems and solutions, and disseminate results.

Primary Audience(s) served (i.e., high school teachers, college students, etc.)

Scientific communities in the area of climate modeling and numerical weather prediction, Science educators, students of all levels Kindergarten through post doctorate, stakeholders, policy makers, and general public.