One of NOAA-CESSRST’s program’s key goals is creation and implementation an education and outreach strategic plan that support’s NOAA’s Education Strategic Goals of (1) Environmental Literacy and (2) Workforce Development. CESSRST’s Education goal, therefore, is to recruit, train and educate and graduate students from underrepresented groups who can understand and engage in NOAA mission-aligned Science, Engineering, social sciences, policy and resource management fields to address environmental problems.
In addition to cutting-edge research, NOAA CESSRST is dedicated to education, from mentoring graduate students who are already making contributions to the field reaching into the middle school classroom and capturing the imagination of future scientists. Education and outreach component/activities at UMBC are a conduit to introduce and involve K-20 students with Earth Science research topics that fall within NOAA’s “Weather-Ready Nation” goals and to increase STEM training. UMBC’s direct interaction with students enhances their educational experience and provides participating schools with resources to enhance their curricula.
Education/Outreach activities include:
1- A weekly Atmospheric and Remote Sensing Brown Bag Seminar Series – students, faculty and guest speakers a platform for presenting their current ongoing research.
2- UMBC Atmospheric Lidar Group Summer (June-August) Internship for undergraduate and high school students.
3- High School Science Mentorship-Instructional sessions/discussions on how students can get involved in CESSRST research and opportunities for prospective college students and beyond. The mentorship program focuses on technical writing, effective oral presentations and development of research skills.