We propose to develop graduate training of doctoral-level students in specific areas of Geosciences and Environmental Physical Sciences through the NSF Graduate Research Traineeship Program. These Traineeships will be implemented through the joint arrangement that exist between the Earth System Science Program and the Department of Chemistry. In particular, we propose to pursue graduate research training in five area: 1) coastal oceanography, 2) ocean-atmosphere interactions, 3)hydrology, 4) development of state-of-the-art instrumental techniques, and 5) modeling of atmospheric chemistry using high-performance computing methods. Innovative aspects of the Program include 1) recruitment of underrepresented graduate students using a variety of activities including the pipeline established at UCI through the CAMP (California Alliance for Minority Participation) Program, 2) participation of trainees in a monthly research seminar series, 3) participation of trainees in field studies during their first two years in graduate school, 4) completion by trainees of a teaching assistant training program, 5) establishment of a Traineeship Oversight Committee who will be responsible for choosing the GRTs, and for appointment of a specialized committee to advise each trainee. Graduate Research Traineeships will substantially increase the resources needed to help achieve our goal of graduate education and research in the fields within Geosciences.
