2023 NESSI Interns

In 2023, several interns participated in NESSI at NSF NCAR, contributing to groundbreaking research in Earth system science. Coming from universities across the country—including some traveling from as far as the East Coast and Midwest—these interns immersed themselves in hands-on projects that spanned NCAR’s diverse laboratories.

One intern explored the atmospheric effects of volcanic eruptions in the Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling (ACOM) lab, focusing on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai event and its impact on climate and air quality. Meanwhile, another worked within Mesoscale & Microscale Meteorology (MMM), analyzing hurricane intensification and the critical role of communication in forecasting.

Hydrological modeling was another key area of research, with a graduate intern in the Climate & Global Dynamics (CGD) lab integrating machine learning techniques to improve water resource management in the Red River Basin. At the Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL), interns studied water vapor and atmospheric phenomena using lidar data, uncovering new insights into moisture transport and its influence on weather patterns.

Interns also explored ocean-climate interactions, using high-resolution modeling data in the Computational & Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) to enhance simulations of large-scale climate processes. In High Altitude Observatory (HAO), they worked to refine numerical models for space weather, investigating how solar activity affects Earth’s upper atmosphere. Meanwhile, research in the Research Applications Laboratory (RAL) focused on how changing moisture levels impact mesoscale convective systems in tropical regions, improving severe storm prediction models.

Throughout these projects, a team of dedicated mentors provided guidance, offering expertise in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Beyond technical skills, they encouraged independent thinking and curiosity, fostering an environment where interns could take initiative and refine their scientific approaches.

By engaging in real-world research within NCAR’s renowned laboratories, NESSI interns gained invaluable experience with advanced technologies and research methods. Their work not only contributed to pressing scientific questions but also helped them build the skills and professional connections needed for future careers in atmospheric and geosciences.