The Adventures of SPARCy Squirrel: Promoting a Community Atmospheric Research Facility to Future Scientists

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) Portable Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC) is a mobile science lab that was recently designated a National Science Foundation Community Instrument and Facility (NSF CIF). Equipped with several atmospheric observing instruments, the SPARC travels across the continental United States measuring weather and various atmospheric phenomena. With the help of its mascot, SPARCy Squirrel, the SPARC team has created a collection of promotional materials that will encourage the use of the SPARC and increase its visibility to the younger generation of future-scientists and students who are interested in STEM. This presentation will showcase the videos, games, and other content created to promote the SPARC.