Participants in the ASCENT program.
Click photo to enlarge and see credits.Atmospheric Science Collaborations and Enriching Networks (ASCENT) is a program focusing on women in atmospheric science/meteorology. It’s designed to initiate positive professional relationships among female faculty of different ranks and postdoctoral researchers. This is the third year of the program, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Recently more than 30 scientists met for three-day summer workshop in July at DRI’s Storm Peak Laboratory in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

“While networking with like-minded women scientists, participants engage in frank discussions and exploring challenges faced by women in science,” said Gannet Hallar, principal investigator for the project and director of Storm Peak’s Lab. “We are working toward eliminating the attrition of women in science from different stages and transitions in their academic careers.”

“One of things that I learned early on in the program is communication. To be assertive, and find resources that are available by talking to my colleagues about the opportunities and benefits for women scientists,” said Laura Edwards, DRI assistant research climatologist.

By fostering relationships among women faculty and researchers, ASCENT will develop research opportunities, find mentors, and improve the quality of collaborative atmospheric research conducted at multiple universities, colleges, and federal agencies.

For more information about the ASCENT Program please visit http://ascent.dri.edu/