Atmospheric, Oceanic, & Cryospheric Sciences REU at the University of Colorado Boulder

The ATOC REU site aims to provide a diverse, underrepresented group of undergraduate students an in-depth, engaging learning and research training experience and professional growth opportunities in the broad areas of atmospheric, oceanic, and cryospheric science. Year 2024 is the 2^nd year of a NSF-funded 3-year REU program from 2023-2025, after a 2-year pilot program from 2021-2022. The site creates engaging research experiences for REU students to develop a toolkit for success in a STEM program, including graduate school or a professional career in STEM, and therefore establishes diverse talent pool of students who will pursue graduate education or STEM-related careers. This toolkit includes a 2-week intensive python boot camp, research data analysis, scientific writing, and scientific presentation skills. A unique aspect of our program for fostering success is that each REU student works with one faculty mentor and one graduate student mentor for research, with well structured and dedicated supports from ATOC graduate students in various capacities, such as weekly check-in, python office hour,

social event supported by the department, and pre-, mid-program and post-program evaluations. In addition to building community within our department, the program also provides opportunities for graduate students to develop the organizational and mentoring skills. The department provided strong support for the program, including the planning process of the REU that spans the full academic year, social events, the final poster and oral presentation sessions. So far, 50% or our REU students have submitted abstracts to present their research results in American Beach and Shoreline Preservation Association (ASBPA) National Coastal Conference 2024, AGU fall meeting 2024 and AMS 2025. The outcomes and gains for the REU students will be summarized and presented.