Enhancing Diversity in Computational Geoscience: An Essential Component of Our Response to a Changing Planet

Abstract:

Many of the best jobs and innovations in the 21^st century will come from the information technology sector, and one of the greatest challenges and opportunities for humanity will be using this technology to better understand our environment and our impact on it. Yet in an increasingly diverse America, many elements of our society go missing in this critical intersection of opportunity and societal benefit. In this talk I will give an overview of our attempts to bring about a transformation of the Computational and Information System Laboratory (CISL) at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) into a more inclusive and diverse organization, and to bring students from diverse backgrounds into contact with the grand change of understanding and living with a changing planet. In this context, the integration of specific programs like research internships, visitor support and diversity outreach will be discussed.