SPARCY Squirrel Explores Atmospheric Science: 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 is 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 educational and promotional materials designed to encourage the use of the SPARC and increase its visibility to the younger generation of future-scientists and students interested in STEM.