Flying laboratories: Behind the scenes of airborne science projects
7:00 – 8:00 pm MDT
Airplanes aren’t just for travel—we can also use them to directly study thunderstorms, air quality, Arctic weather, and even the Sun. But how do we transform airplanes into science laboratories capable of studying these phenomena? And how do we safely fly through unique and often challenging conditions across the world?
In this Explorer Series and Bambei Science Talk, Ivana Vu reveals the behind-the-scenes work that makes airborne science projects possible. From navigating complex logistics to engineering innovative solutions, Ivana will share first-hand stories from the field and why these projects matter to all of us.
Ivana Vu
Ivana is a technician at NCAR’s Research Aviation Facility (RAF), where she works on Gulfstream V and C-130 aircraft that have been modified for scientific research. She previously flew on DHC-6 Twin Otters as an airborne sensor operator for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and was a KC-135R crew chief in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Beyond aviation, she worked as a scientific diver for the University of North Carolina, a summer youth instructor for Women’s Wilderness, and she lived at sea while repairing and delivering sailboats throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific.