NSF SOARS

Thank you to Lockheed Martin for sponsoring the NSF SOARS program this summer!

Support from our sponsors helps make the NSF SOARS experience possible, providing opportunities for research, mentoring, and community building throughout the summer.

Thank you for supporting our program!

Is it the second-to-last recap already? 🤯

It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming this year's cohort, and now the finish line is in sight! The summer has flown by, and our Proteges are hard at work putting the finishing touches on their research projects.

Week 8 & 9 Theme: Progress and Pancakes 🥞

Protege schedules returned to normal in Week 8 with SCW and CDS workshops, while optional seminars and events continued throughout the week, including a Professional Development workshop focused on proposal writing. We're officially entering the home stretch! Proteges are deep into data analysis, beginning to see results—or discovering what didn't work. (And remember: no results are still results! 😉) Final project deliverables are due at the end of the month as Proteges prepare for their upcoming presentations.

Week 9 started on a sweet note with an optional pancake breakfast! The week also offered plenty of opportunities for professional growth, including an NSF SOARS Alumni & Friends Career Panel, office hours with the Interim UCAR President, and a Professional Development workshop on cover letter writing and how to leverage an internship experience during the job search.

Throughout the summer, Proteges have been having a great time doing cohort activities, like hiking, going ice skating, and exploring the Stanley Hotel! 👻 They've also given talks to a variety of different groups on their project and experiences.

We are so proud of the Proteges and everything they've accomplished so far. We can't wait to see all of their hard work come to fruition as we wrap up another incredible summer of research and professional growth!

It's time for another recap! Weeks 6 and 7 were so exciting, we needed a little extra time to soak it all in before we could start writing. 😁

Week 6 & 7 Theme: Sharing Progress and Strengthening Connections

Week 6 gave Proteges some time to focus on their research projects, with optional lectures offering opportunities to explore a variety of scientific topics. The excitement picked up on Thursday with Practice Talks, where Proteges delivered impressive presentations and shared the progress they've made on their summer research.

As we mentioned in our previous post, Friday marked a major milestone as we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of NSF SOARS! Throughout the day, Proteges had the opportunity to connect with alumni and former mentors, strengthen their professional networks, and celebrate three decades of the NSF SOARS community.

Week 7 may have been a shorter week with the holiday on Friday, but it was still full of opportunities to learn and grow. Optional seminars continued, including an HAO Colloquium introducing the Geoscience Data Exchange—what a fascinating resource! Scientific Communication Workshops (SCW) and Career Development Series (CDS) sessions resumed after a week off, and it's been exciting to watch the Proteges continue building their communication and professional skills.

Midpoint check-ins also began this week. Can you believe we're already halfway through the summer?

Proteges have already made incredible progress this summer, and we can't wait to see what they accomplish during the second half of the program!

Last Friday, our community came together to celebrate an incredible milestone—30 years of NSF SOARS! 🎉

Current Proteges had the opportunity to connect with alumni during the Alumni Networking Panel, hear how the program shaped their growth as scientists, and ask questions about their career journeys.

The day concluded with an Anniversary Reception, bringing together more than 100 members of the NSF SOARS Community to celebrate three decades of fostering excellence in Earth system science and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Here's to 30 years of community, mentorship, and research—and many more to come! 💙

The 2026 NSF SOARS summer program is well underway, and Proteges have been hard at work!

Week 4 & 5 Theme: Turning Ideas into Action

Week 4 offered Proteges a variety of opportunities to engage with cutting-edge environmental and atmospheric science research. Optional seminars explored topics ranging from microclimate modeling and transportation planning to integrated flood-mapping frameworks and hurricane wind estimation during landfall. Proteges were also invited to enjoy a retro film screening and connect with researchers across scientific disciplines.

During the Scientific Communication Workshop (SCW), first-year Proteges exchanged peer feedback on draft Introduction sections and discussed strategies for navigating conferences. Returning Proteges heard from an NSF SOARS alum who shared insights into careers at the science-policy intersection and led activities analyzing policy proposals. The session emphasized connecting scientific research and policy writing to real-world impact.

In Week 5, Proteges connected with former participants during the NSF SOARS Alumni & Friends Career Panel, gaining perspectives on a variety of career paths and professional experiences. Optional seminars covered topics including coastal meteorology, flood-resilient design, disaster risk management, and atmospheric chemistry. Proteges also had opportunities to network with researchers and professionals during community events.

In their SCW, first-year Proteges prepared for upcoming Practice Talks, building confidence in presenting their research to diverse audiences. Returning Proteges worked with a guest alum to explore policy writing and strategies for communicating science beyond academic settings.

Research projects are continuing to take shape, with draft Methods sections submitted on June 18—another important milestone in the summer research journey. We're excited to see their projects develop as Proteges prepare to share their work in the weeks ahead!

The 2026 NSF SOARS cohort is settling in well! What have Proteges been up to since Orientation Week?

Week 2 & 3 Theme: Taking Flight and Taking Shape

Over the last two weeks, Proteges have been settling into summer programming, taking their first cohort field trips, and building foundational skills they'll use throughout the summer and beyond.

During a field trip to the NSF NCAR & UCAR Research Aviation Facility (RAF) in Week 2, Proteges toured the facility, learned about the C-130 and Gulfstream research aircraft, and even had the opportunity to explore inside both planes! Sitting in the Principal Investigator's seat sparked new dreams and possibilities for future research careers. ✈️

Scientific Communication Workshops (SCWs) during Week 2 focused on developing essential research and communication skills. First-year Proteges explored the key components of a strong research introduction, practiced evaluating methods sections, and delivered their first elevator pitches. Returning Proteges refined their elevator pitches before examining different scientific writing formats—including research papers, proposals, technical reports, and policy briefs—to determine which best aligned with their projects and professional goals.

In Week 3, the cohort visited Colorado State University's Graduate School to learn more about graduate programs in Earth system science and opportunities through the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA). Proteges continued preparing for their futures through workshops on graduate school applications and technical report writing, featuring insights from SOARS alumni.

Protege research projects are beginning to take shape, with draft research questions and project titles submitted last week—a major milestone in the summer research journey.

We can't wait to see how these ideas continue to develop in the weeks ahead!

Week 1 Theme: Settling In and Preparing for Success 🌟

Last week we officially kicked off NSF SOARS 2026! During orientation week, proteges began building community, connecting with mentors, and preparing for a summer of research, learning, and professional growth!

The week began with our program kickoff and “Strength in Community” activities, where proteges started getting to know one another and building their NSF SOARS cohort community. There was also an opportunity to connect with mentors during Coffee & Connect mentor introductions.

Throughout the week, proteges participated in UCAR Orientation, met with mentors for their initial Individual Development Plan (IDP) meetings, and attended an Alumni Networking event to hear from former participants and build connections across the NSF SOARS community.

Orientation week also included opportunities to explore NSF NCAR and develop professional skills. Proteges toured the NSF NCAR & UCAR Mesa Lab, participated in Leadership Training, attended the UCAR President’s Breakfast, and kicked off their first Scientific Communication and Writing (SCW) and Computing and Data Science (CDS) workshops.

We are excited to see all the growth, discovery, and collaboration this summer will bring for the NSF SOARS 2026 cohort! Stay tuned for more program recaps throughout the summer. ☀️

NSF SOARS had a great time at the AMS Annual Meeting!
Proteges shared their summer research through presentations and posters, connecting with scientists and professionals from the atmospheric sciences and beyond. Seeing proteges communicate their work and engage with the broader research community is always a highlight!
Visit our website for more information about the NSF SOARS program https://soars.ucar.edu/

❕Final Reminder❕ The NSF SOARS application for 2026 closes Tuesday, January 20th, there is one week left to apply! Have last minute questions about applying? Check out our "How to Apply" Webinar or website for more information!
Application: soars.ucar.edu/apply
Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wzlAOy20Sg

Did you catch NSF SOARS at AGU? Last month proteges presented their summer research projects, sharing their work with scientists and professionals from across the geoscience community. It was great to see our proteges showcase their hard work and grow their professional networks!
Interested in being a part NSF SOARS? Applications for the 2026 program are currently open and close January 20, 2026. Visit our website to learn more about the program and application process! https://soars.ucar.edu/