On the 27th of September, 2022, the PCC Undergraduate Cohort (UCo) hosted their first event of the new academic year. UCo leaders welcomed new undergrads, explained how UCo and the Climate Science Minor are situated in the Program on Climate Change, and promoted community through fun, games, and food! This was a great opening event, laying the groundwork for emerging climate scientists to connect with each other, with professionals, and with leadership opportunities.

The event kicked off with introductions, bonding, and, of course, pizza, in the Quad. The attendees, numbering over 40, split up into groups to get to know each other a bit better and form the community that is so important in engaging with climate science in a professional capacity. There were people of all years, departments, backgrounds, and interests, ranging from Environmental Studies to Ornithology to Electrical Engineering, and since it was a beautifully sunny day, it was easy for everyone to chill and enjoy themselves.

After finishing off the pizza, we all headed into Savery Hall for a brief presentation about the Program on Climate Change, the past and present of the Undergraduate Cohort, and the potential of the Climate Science Minor. It was a brilliant time to reflect on some of the events of the past year and to promote the plans for the coming year. Updates included the new UCo connections on social media (Instagram: @uwpccuco and email: uwpccuco@gmail.com), potential for events as personal as regular lunches with grad students from different departments to large-scale info sessions, seminars, and discussions on research, climate science, and how to get involved. These events are part of the UCo’s central mission, as ensuring undergrads are prepared on their way into the professional world of climate science, both in terms of knowledge and connection, is an essential goal of ours.

PCC Undergraduate Assistant Isaac Olson (Oceanography and Environmental Studies major) discussed the Climate Science Minor and explained its importance within the PCC as a tool for undergrads to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the climate science and change.

The night ended with an incredibly close game of Climate Science Jeopardy!, with climate science-related trivia on Oceans, Climate Impacts, Climate Action, Science, and the UW. Being able to show off some impressive climate knowledge (shout out to John Hickenlooper and the Keeling Curve), grow closer to each other, and share some cookies first with the winners and eventually with everyone was an incredible introduction to what the cohort will be this year.

If you’re interested in joining the cohort, or just want to hear more about climate activities on campus, be sure to join the listserv. You can also contact the UCo on Instagram or email. Follow the PCC on Twitter and Facebook to see more about climate activities on campus!

Thanks to all of the incredible grad students helping run the UCo and plan this event, Leslie Nguyen, Mary Margaret Stoll, Jacob Cohen, and the rest of the past and current P-GraSC committee members who offered their help at one time or another. Special shoutout to undergraduates Annabel Wade and Medha Kumar for their assistance in leading this cohort.

Written by Isaac Olson and Maddie Brooks