Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Melissa Burt’s Pioneering Work in Atmospheric Science and Diversity Advocacy

Successful woman in STEM, BAME researcher and diversity champion Dr Melissa Burt shares her journey in Atmospheric science and Diversity.

Biography

Dr. Melissa Burt is the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University. In this position, Dr. Burt, oversees and leads the strategic and implementation efforts for diversity, inclusion, and equity goals across the College. The Office of the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion focuses on recruitment, retention, and engagement of faculty/staff, and supports the college-wide recruitment and retention efforts of undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented groups. Her research focuses on the interactions of Arctic clouds, radiation, and sea ice, with interests ranging from cloud-radiation feedbacks, hydrological and energy cycles in climate, and climate change feedbacks. Outside of CSU, she is the Vice President for the non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the Earth Science Women’s Network. Dr. Burt has served on a variety of boards and councils and currently serves as a Council member of the American Meteorological Society and the inaugural chair of the AMS Culture and Inclusion Cabinet. Dr. Burt has a B.S. degree in Meteorology from Millersville University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University.

Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative

Diversity in UK Polar Science​ (#DiversityinPolarScience on social media) is an initiative funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, hosted at British Antarctic Survey, to promote and enhance polar research opportunities in the UK for all currently under-represented groups, including women, BAME, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. Diversity in UK Polar Science will be hosting a series of online public talks to explore the challenges and achievements of people from underrepresented groups in roles linked to Polar Science, and looking for ways to facilitate greater representation in future.​