Advanced Study Institute: Field Studies of Convection in Argentina

IRES ASI-FSCA: An International Field Campaign Research Opportunity

The NSF-sponsored International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Advanced Study Institute - Field Studies of Convection in Argentina (ASI-FSCA) program provides an opportunity for U.S. graduate students to participate in an international research and educational experience during the RELAMPAGO (Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations) field campaign in Cordoba, Argentina in Fall 2018. This region arguably has among the most intense convective systems in the world with respect to the frequency of large hail, high storm tops, and extreme lightning activity, yet the processes that give rise to such extremes are unclear because of a scarcity of observations.

The ASI-FSCA program is a 21-day program from 30 October - 19 November 2018. The ASI program will provide a dynamic and highly collaborative research experience by focusing on five key elements: (1) intensive field research with active field campaign instrumentation platforms under the guidance of the instrument PIs; (2) recruitment of a diverse set of graduate students who would not otherwise have opportunities to participate in intensive field research; (3) an ASI curriculum focused on scientific understanding of cloud and mesoscale processes of the atmosphere and professional/academic development topics; (4) outreach to local K-12 schools and organized cultural activities; and (5) building a collaborative international research network between the U.S., Argentina, and Brazil to promote weather and climate research. These five elements serve to increase motivation and improve self-confidence of students to participate in scientific research and field work with goals of increasing retention in STEM graduate programs and advancing the careers of students from underrepresented groups. The experience for participating advanced graduate students is intentionally designed by the multi-cultural and international ASI organizing committee to develop a wide variety of professional skills to prepare the students for the transition to their careers. The ASI-FSCA field experiences and curriculum will be coordinated by international and U.S.-based atmospheric scientists involved in RELAMPAGO. This opportunity is pending final NSF approval.

Student participants will have all travel expenses covered, including airfare, lodging, per diem, and ground transportation.

Participation Requirements


Application

Interested students should fill out this application. All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm Pacific Time on 13 July 2018 for full consideration. If you need an extension on the deadline or if you have any questions about the ASI, please email Dr. Kristen Rasmussen at kristenr@rams.colostate.edu.