Overview of the NOAA Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies (CESSRST) and its Role in Building the Next Generation of NOAA’s Diverse Workforce.

The NOAA Center for Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Technologies (CESSRST) is at the forefront of education and research, guided by its visionary CESSRST 2022-2027 scientific plan. This strategic blueprint serves a dual purpose: first, to align with NOAA's strategic objectives, and second, to equip students with center-level competencies, thereby positioning them as indispensable assets for both NOAA and its mission enterprise. CESSRST’s strategic alignment with NOAA's overarching mission and goals is evident. It prioritizes critical areas such as fostering a Weather Ready Nation, enhancing the resilience of Coastal Communities, and proactively addressing Climate Adaptation. Furthermore, it closely mirrors NESDIS's strategic priorities by emphasizing the continuity of essential products and services, expanding the dissemination of satellite-based observations and scientific capabilities, and championing user-inspired science.

In addition to these core alignments, CESSRST places a premium on staying at the cutting edge of science and technology. To this end, it embraces NOAA's 2020 Science and Technology Focus Areas, encompassing Artificial Intelligence, Uncrewed Systems (UAS), Data Strategy, Cloud Computing, and Citizen Science. By seamlessly integrating these innovative approaches into its educational and research programs, CESSRST ensures that its graduates possess not only a deep understanding of traditional Earth sciences but also proficiency in the latest tools and techniques shaping modern environmental research.

At the core of CESSRST lie its thematic research areas: Coastal and Ocean, Land and Water, and Weather and Atmosphere. These domains are pivotal for addressing contemporary environmental challenges and harnessing the full potential of satellite remote sensing technologies. Moreover, CESSRST places significant emphasis on integrating social sciences, acknowledging the crucial role of human dimensions in environmental issues. This commitment extends across all thematic research projects, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded and equipped to tackle intricate, interdisciplinary challenges in Earth and environmental sciences.

We are excited to present the CESSRST research plan at the upcoming conference, showcasing tangible examples of CESSRST's impactful research and its contributions to the broader AMS and NOAA communities.