What is a grand challenge question?
Why come up with grand challenge questions for Earth System Science?

Presented by James Randerson, Faculty

Earth system science has grown and evolved over the last 20 years – if we were to imagine the world 5 years from now, what could Earth systems science look like?

Panel Discussion:

• Todd Dupont, Faculty Moderator
• Isabella Velicogna, Faculty
• Alexandra Magana, Graduate Student
• Brendan Rogers, Graduate Student

Over the past 20 years, ESS has adopted a few traditions.  What are they? How did they start?

Presented by Sue Trumbore (Faculty) and Gudrun Magnusdottir (Faculty)

Due to the nature of the science (climate change, floods, droughts, sea-level rise, etc), ESS has an inherent responsibility to communicate with a wide variety of audiences.  This presents unique challenges and opportunities. 

Presented by Jay Famiglietti (Faculty), Christopher Holmes (Postdoctoral Scholar) and Kathe Todd-Brown (Graduate Student)

What facilities and instruments are needed for the next generation of ESS?

In the past 20 years, the tools and equipment of Earth systems science have changed dramatically (i.e. computers have affected data collection).  In addition to looking back at the tools we’ve used (pictures would be great), it is important to think about what we would want/need going forward. 

Panel Discussion:

Watch for updates!

Do you have a great picture that captures the early days of ESS?
Are you interested in sharing photos from your current research?
Submit materials for the retrospective here.

We have established graduate and undergraduate programs of study for student at UC Irvine. Over the past 20 years, we have adjusted the courses and degree requirements to more adequately address the needs of future graduates.  What kind of changes are on the horizon for teaching in Earth System Science?

Presented by Charie Zender (Vice Chair, Graduate Studies) and Diane Pataki (Vice Chair, Undergraduate Studies)

How have they changed the world?
What are the skills and needs of the next generation of ESS students?

ESS has been training graduate students for 20 years now – this is a great time to reflect on ESS Alumni.

Introduction by Francois Primeau (faculty) and Eric Saltzman (faculty)

Panel Discussion:

• Scott Capps
• Tim DeVries
• Julia Gaudinski

Science provides unique opportunities to conduct research in a lab, in the field, on the computer, with colleagues, and alone. The goal of this work is to answer a well-posed question that explains how the world works. We all enter science for various reasons – but there are always moments that make us feel good about choosing Earth system science. What are some of the reasons you enjoy being in Earth system science?

Introduction by Adam Martiny, Faculty

Panel Discussion:

Submitted in November, 1987, the Bander Report articulated a clear vision for a department in the area of Earth System Science. This pivotal document provided the foundation for the early days of Earth System Science at UC Irvine.

Presented by Ellen Druffel, Faculty