On 29 September 2021, the PCC hosted its first in-person undergraduate cohort meeting. We welcomed new undergrads, answered questions concerning the PCC, and discussed the future of the cohort. In a program like PCC that is grad student dominated, the undergrad cohort can be a place for undergrads to steer their own proverbial ship and create events and belong to a community of others interested in climate science.

The event began with pizza in the Quad and a chance for UW undergrads to mingle and talk to the main organizers of the event, Atmospheric Sciences graduate student Lily Hahn and Oceanography graduate students Mary Margaret Stoll and Jacob Cohen. Though threatened with rain, the turnout was great, with 25 attendees coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and majors, including Environmental Science, Atmospheric Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Biology, and Business. Being able to chat with so many students from so many backgrounds and interests was such a delight to everyone, especially after the monotonous year of zoom calls we just endured. The statistics on class year show this year’s cohort is roughly 70% first and second year students, and 30% third and fourth year, indicating a growing group of students interested in the work of the PCC! 

After food, the group headed inside Savery Hall for a brief presentation about the PCC and specifically the intended role of the undergraduate cohort. The group presented the results of a recent undergraduate poll exploring activities of interest, such as professional development classes for resume building or interviewing skills, workshops in Python or GIS, connecting with undergraduate research opportunities, and more. These events will be central to the mission of the cohort, and will help prepare undergrads for applying to grad school and beyond in their careers. 

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 a game of Fishbowl, a word guessing/charades game. Being able to laugh and connect with others was incredible, and was a wonderful introduction to what the cohort is/will become.

If you’re interested in joining the cohort, be sure to join the climate science minor listserv for undergrads to learn more about our events (send specific questions to Mary Margaret Stoll, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see more from the PCC!