WASHINGTON, D.C. — The NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology II (NCAS-M II), led by Howard University, hosted its Annual Center-Wide Cohort Experience (ACE) on September 18–19, 2025, at the Howard University Frederick Undergraduate Library in Washington, D.C., and the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, Maryland.
ACE provided fellows from across NCAS-M’s partner institutions with a dynamic, in-person learning experience aimed at strengthening professional skills, enhancing research communication, and deepening understanding of the NOAA mission enterprise.
Over the two-day event, participants engaged in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions with NOAA scientists, NCAS-M alumni, and research mentors. Sessions included team-building activities, professional headshots, and thematic discussions such as “Professionalism in an AI-Enhanced Environment,” “NOAA Scientific Integrity,” and “Writing for NOAA Publications.”
A highlight of the program was the NOAA Mission, Vision, and Impact Panel, which connected fellows’ research to NOAA’s national priorities in weather, water, and climate sciences. The event also featured graduate and undergraduate “Publish Like a Pro” workshops, designed to help fellows develop compelling research narratives and competitive proposals.
ACE concluded with the 2025 NOAA Career Day at NCWCP, where students explored diverse career pathways within NOAA and networked with agency professionals.
The Annual Center-Wide Cohort Experience is a cornerstone of NCAS-M II’s mission to build a diverse, highly skilled workforce in support of NOAA’s commitment to science, service, and stewardship.
