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ESSIC/CISESS Interns Showcase their Summer Projects

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Figure: Interns and Mentors gathered in the ESSIC Conference Room for in-person Summer Intern Presentations on August 19th, 2026 (photo credit: Cazzy Medley).

The 2026 Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC)/CISESS Summer Internship Program culminated in a two-day Intern Presentation Workshop. Each of the summer interns had the opportunity to give a 5-minute talk.

 

On the first day, which was held virtually via Zoom, CISESS Deputy Director Dr. Hugo Berbery welcomed the audience of 45 with words of encouragement and appreciation. Ten students presented their talks virtually. On the second day, which was held in person at ESSIC, 17 summer research projects were presented to an even larger audience. On day two, there were over 50 attendees, including those who were able to attend in person and others who joined via Zoom. There were two informal Q&A sessions with light refreshments and lively conversations. Overall, there was outstanding participation from the CISESS/NOAA scientists who mentored the students this summer. Each of the students was introduced by one of their mentors, and it was apparent how impactful the internship experiences were for both the interns and the mentors. Eight summer interns will be continuing on CISESS projects during the fall semester in addition to four new student projects beginning in September.

 

While the 2026 summer program has come to a close, the benefits of the educational and training opportunities will surely have a lasting impact.

This article was put together based on scientist input.

Picture of Kate Cooney

Kate Cooney

Katherine Cooney is a part-time faculty assistant at the Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS). Kate received a B.S. in environmental science and policy from the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park. She later earned a M.S. in geology from UMD, while investigating the isotopic fractionation of precipitation nitrate under the guidance of Distinguished University Professor James Farquhar. After graduation, she worked as an air-quality specialist at the Mid Atlantic Regional Air Management Association in Baltimore, Maryland. While her family was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, she dedicated her time serving military families and the local community. She is grateful for the opportunity to return to earth system studies, supporting the CISESS Business Office and assisting the CISESS Coordinator Deb Baker since January 2021.

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