The Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Sciences (MAOS) is an "academy" within the Monterey (CA) Public High School dedicated to the pursuit of scientific and mathematical excellence. During its short existence it has prepared a sizable number of young scientists, many who have been later accepted into prestigious universities. The oceanographic focus binds the program together to resonate with young people, many of whom view the world with an environmental perspective. The oceanographic theme is especially pertinent on the Monterey Peninsula, where the oceans are studied in detail by a variety of university facilities and government laboratories. By necessity, the emphasis on physical oceanography also requires a strong interest by MAOS in meteorology. This focus corresponds with the research charter of the nearby Naval Research Laboratory Marine Meteorology Division (NRL Monterey).
NRL Monterey specializes in a variety of research areas including air/sea interaction, numerical modeling at global and regional scales, weather forecasting, weather satellite nowcasting, global distribution of meteorological guidance and products, data assimilation, aerosol/optical properties of the lower atmosphere, artificial intelligence, tropical cyclone monitoring, and software systems development. Its personnel develop operational systems, publish scientific journal articles, and present research results at conferences worldwide. NRL Monterey has a special interest in coastal meteorology, which corresponds closely with the focus of MAOS in the nearshore environment
For about the last two years NRL has been sponsoring research internships for students at MAOS. The internships are opportunities for the students to apply their academic lessons in an applied research environment. Each student is required to modify a project based on ninety hours of research at NRL. The projects modified thus far have been outstanding, one winning at a regional science fair. This paper will give an overview of the MAOS/NRL internship collaboration, giving specific examples based on students' work. NRL and MAOS believe that their work together is unique in several ways, and look forward to sharing their approach with the conferees.
Oral Presentation Preferred