REU Site: An Inclusive Research Experience in ALpine Meteorology (REALM)

阿尔卑斯山气象学研究经验(REAL)将依靠由附近的瓦萨奇山脉和邻近的城市地区提供的自然科学实验室，以提高学生对社会挑战的认识，例如水的可获得性和空气质量，这些挑战需要了解高山地形对天气和气候过程的影响。犹他大学大气科学系因其在与山地环境有关的大气研究方面的专业知识而在国际上得到认可。遵循成功的本科生研究经验(REU)网站使用的模式，将开发一个连贯的框架来管理高质量的、基于队列的本科生暑期计划。王国将在一个高度包容的环境中欢迎和支持来自不同背景的未被充分代表的学生。REU计划将包括一项独立评估，以确保REU站点达到项目目标，并为未来的REU计划创建一个可持续的模式。该领域的目标如下：(1)使学生参与全日制的积极研究；(2)为学生和导师提供职业发展机会；(3)通过构建吸引人的、包容的和支持性的队列体验，包括通过实地访问让他们接触天气、水和气候企业的就业机会，激励学生走向STEM职业生涯；以及(4)提高学生的科学素养、口头和书面沟通技能。学生将在犹他大学进行为期8周的研究，并获得相关的专业发展。REU计划将采用多导师的方式来支持学生参与者。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The Research Experience in ALpine Meteorology (REALM) will rely on the natural scientific laboratory, provided by the nearby Wasatch Mountains and adjacent urban areas, to enhance student awareness of societal challenges, such as water availability and air quality, that require understanding the influence of alpine terrain on weather and climate processes. The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah is recognized internationally for its expertise in atmospheric studies related to mountain environments. Following the models used by successful Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) sites, a cohesive framework will be developed to manage a high-quality, cohort-based undergraduate summer program. REALM will welcome and support underrepresented students from a variety of backgrounds in a highly inclusive environment. The REU program will include an independent evaluation to ensure the REU site is meeting the project goals and creates a sustainable model for future REU programs. The objectives for REALM are the following: (1) engage students in full-time active research; (2) provide professional development opportunities for students and mentors; (3) motivate students towards STEM careers by constructing an engaging, inclusive, and supportive cohort experience that includes exposing them through site visits to employment opportunities in the weather, water, and climate enterprise; and (4) improve students' science literacy oral and written communication skills. Students will spend 8 weeks at the University of Utah conducting research and gaining relevant professional development. The REU program will utilize a multiple mentor approach to support the student participants.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.