On the Move

CIRES' Twila Moon establishes new role in climate communications

Megan Maneval — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:00:27 +0000

CIRES' Twila Moon establishes new role in climate communications Megan Maneval Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:00

CIRES

Last spring, NSIDC Deputy Lead Scientist Twila Moon expanded her role at CIRES as the institute's first-ever climate communications engagement lead. Her new position combines her scientific expertise with her communications skills to create a new program: Engage Climate Science.

The program, still in development, sits within CIRES’ Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE). Moon’s role with the program will develop and run seminars and workshops around the U.S. to teach the foundations of climate science along with a broad scope of climate solutions to private-sector professionals in decision-making spaces. The program will focus on leaders in positions that have the ability to create change and who rely on knowledge about current and future climate to make successful decisions in their work.

“With climate impacts already influencing everything from working conditions to supply chains to roads and buildings, the need for fundamental climate understanding has never been greater,” Moon said. “We are in a critical time for planning and action, and this program will address that need.”

Moon has spent years building her portfolio in climate communications and was recently awarded the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communication Prize. One example of her communications work is with the European organization Active Philanthropy, where she leads workshops in Greenland. She leads participants on four- and five-day immersive expeditions to Greenland to teach the foundations of climate science, solutions and strategies for change. The expeditions connect participants firsthand with the island's unique ecosystem—80% of which is covered in ice that is melting quicker than ever. Moon said this work solidified the need for expert-led climate science education.

“I found that there was a huge appetite for this, and I got requests over and over again to do more and expand this kind of engagement,” Moon said.

By teaching foundational climate science, participants learn to ask the right questions and understand system connections relating to how the climate is changing. Moon uses several tools to help explore the myriad of solutions and how they complement each other, like the En-ROADS Climate Action Simulator and other resources like the Project Drawdown Explorer, which evaluates the effectiveness of various solutions. Moon says there is no one solution for climate change but believes the best solutions address emissions reductions and preparedness and resilience together.

During her first few months building the new program, Moon has worked with CEEE researchers to flesh out an evaluation strategy, held eight events in Texas, and worked toward completing initial program offers and resources. Moon notes that it can be difficult to measure the outcomes and successes of different engagements, so she is excited that CEEE’s team will support the evaluation of the seminars and workshops, helping her track progress, collect and organize feedback, and make improvements to her approach as needed.

“Engage Climate Science is a powerful opportunity to expand CEEE’s vision of connecting environmental science and people to inspire curiosity, community and action, now reaching the private sector,” Gold said. “Twila’s exceptional ability to communicate and share her deep climate science expertise will equip decision-makers and business leaders with the knowledge they need to drive meaningful, science-based impact.”

Moon has worked with CIRES for nearly a decade, first as a visiting fellow then as a research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). She sits on the National Academies’ U.S. Polar Research Board, is a principal investigator for the QGreenland data project, and an editor of NOAA’s Arctic Report Card. Moon will continue to pursue research at NSIDC, as she believes it’s integral to remaining a trusted source in the scientific community in her new role.

“Communicating climate knowledge as an active scientist allows me to draw from an especially rich well of information,” Moon said. “Folks I’m engaging with can have high confidence in the information quality and know that it will include the latest research results.”

Moon hopes other organizations and institutions realize the critical need for this type of climate communication at this pivotal moment. Engage Climate Science is made possible through generous support from a private donor and the Daughters for Earth Female Climate Scientists Fund. Donations are welcome to support the program now and in the future through ̽��Ƶ. She looks forward to announcing the formal launch of the program in the near future.

CIRES researcher Twila Moon will train mid-career professionals in climate education workshops across the United States.

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Hope Saska named director of CU Art Museum

Megan Maneval — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:03:53 +0000

Hope Saska named director of CU Art Museum Megan Maneval Mon, 09/29/2025 - 14:03

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

In addition to serving as the interim director, Hope Saska has served as the CU Art Museum's chief curator and director of academic engagement. She has now been named the director.

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Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers

Megan Maneval — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:00:24 +0000

Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers Megan Maneval Wed, 09/24/2025 - 09:00

The Office of Faculty Affairs is delighted to announce that Warren Sconiers, associate teaching professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, has been appointed as faculty fellow for teaching and clinical faculty development.

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Benjamin Teitelbaum is new faculty director for strategic events and public discourse

Megan Maneval — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:19:00 +0000

Benjamin Teitelbaum is new faculty director for strategic events and public discourse Megan Maneval Fri, 09/19/2025 - 11:19

With a primary focus on planning the Conference on World Affairs, Benjamin Teitelbaum encourages faculty members to submit recommendations for guest speakers.

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LASP welcomes Director Bethany Ehlmann

Megan Maneval — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:04:54 +0000

LASP welcomes Director Bethany Ehlmann Megan Maneval Tue, 09/16/2025 - 14:04

This month, Bethany Ehlmann began her tenure as director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, ushering in a new era for the lab.

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Esther Henry tapped as managing associate university counsel for ̽��Ƶ

Megan Maneval — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:59:42 +0000

Esther Henry tapped as managing associate university counsel for ̽��Ƶ Megan Maneval Wed, 08/20/2025 - 13:59

Following a national search, ̽��Ƶ has appointed Esther Henry managing associate university counsel, effective Sept. 9.

Henry brings more than two decades of legal experience in higher education, including leadership roles at the University of Tennessee system, Oregon State University, Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Her expertise spans student and faculty affairs, employment law, Title IX compliance, public safety and emergency response, and institutional governance.

“I am thrilled to welcome Esther Henry to ̽��Ƶ, where her deep experience in higher education law and her collaborative approach will be invaluable to our campus.” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Michelle Krech for her service in the interim role and for her continued dedication to the university.”

Henry began her legal career in Colorado and previously served as associate counsel at the Colorado School of Mines and as HIPAA project manager and privacy officer at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She holds a J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and dual bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and management from Purdue University.

“I’m honored to join ̽��Ƶ and return to the state where I began my career in higher education law,” said Henry. “I’m excited to contribute to the university’s mission and support its vibrant academic community.”

Henry will lead the Office of University Counsel for ̽��Ƶ, and will be responsible for advising on a range of campus matters and serving as a key partner to university leadership in advancing ̽��Ƶ’s strategic priorities.

Henry brings more than two decades of experience in higher education law from institutions across the country, including the University of Tennessee and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

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Professor Kim See joins RASEI

Megan Maneval — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:30:13 +0000

Professor Kim See joins RASEI Megan Maneval Mon, 08/18/2025 - 09:30

Professor Kimberly See, from the California Institute of Technology, will be joining the ̽��Ƶ faculty in August 2026 as a RASEI Fellow with an appointment in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

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CIRES welcomes Steve Lommele as director of communications

Megan Maneval — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:53:12 +0000

CIRES welcomes Steve Lommele as director of communications Megan Maneval Wed, 08/06/2025 - 08:53

CIRES

Steve Lommele, the new director of communications at CIRES, is a seasoned communications strategist who brings decades of experience in energy and policy.

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Tamara Sumner appointed interim dean of University Libraries

Megan Maneval — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:27:33 +0000

Tamara Sumner appointed interim dean of University Libraries Megan Maneval Wed, 06/25/2025 - 08:27

Provost Russell Moore today announced his appointment of Tamara Sumner as interim dean of University Libraries, effective July 1. Sumner succeeds Robert McDonald, who recently accepted a leadership position at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Tammy is a seasoned and respected administrator with ties to University Libraries through her past work,” Moore said. “Through her strong leadership capabilities and research experience, I am confident that she’ll provide a stabilizing influence through this time of transition.”

Sumner currently serves as the director of the Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS) and is a professor in computer and cognitive science. ICS’s mission is to advance interdisciplinary research and training in cognitive science. Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes, is appointing Cinnamon Bidwell to serve as interim director for ICS until Sumner returns to her role as director.

Bidwell is a clinical psychologist who has done groundbreaking research into cannabis, cannabinoids, alcohol and nicotine. Named a 2023 RIO Faculty Fellow, she conducts creative and innovative research that not only advances scientific understanding but also informs clinical practices and public health policies.

Sumner leads an interdisciplinary research and development lab that studies how computational tools—combining cognitive science, machine intelligence and interactive media—can improve teaching practice, learning outcomes and learner engagement in STEM fields. She has extensive research publications in human-computer interaction, educational technology, digital libraries and intelligent systems. Her teaching focuses on cognitive science research methods and user-centered design.

Sumner holds both a bachelor of science in earth science and a bachelor of arts degree in computer and information science from the University of California Santa Cruz, and a master’s and a doctorate in computer science from ̽��Ƶ.

“It is an honor to serve University Libraries as interim dean during this important time,” Sumner said. “I look forward to meeting and interacting with libraries faculty and staff and moving ahead, together, to serve ̽��Ƶ’s community and help drive its academic mission.”

Sumner will serve as interim dean until a permanent dean is appointed. Moore said plans for launching a national search for a permanent dean of University Libraries will be announced soon, along with plans for filling McDonald’s other role—senior vice provost of online education and extended education.

Tamara Sumner

Cinnamon Bidwell

Provost Russell Moore has named Tamara Sumner the interim dean of University Libraries.

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Dean Robert McDonald to take position in Texas

Megan Maneval — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:39:32 +0000

Dean Robert McDonald to take position in Texas Megan Maneval Tue, 06/10/2025 - 12:39

Provost Russell Moore announced today Robert McDonald, dean of University Libraries and senior vice provost of online education and extended education, has accepted the position of senior vice provost and director of the University of Texas Libraries at the University of Texas at Austin. McDonald’s last day at ̽��Ƶ is June 30, which coincides with the last day of the academic year.

Dean Robert McDonald

In the coming days, Moore will announce interim leadership and a search process to name McDonald’s successor in both roles.

“I want to thank Robert for his seven years of service as both dean of libraries and senior vice provost of online education—a dual role that has helped to transform how ̽��Ƶ understands, curates and conveys information to a new generation of learners,” Moore said.

Moore recognized McDonald for his accomplishments, which include:

Leading Colorado and Wyoming institutions in negotiating new library materials agreements with the academic publisher Elsevier, an effort that saved money for all Colorado higher education libraries.
Championing open-access information resources for the ̽��Ƶ libraries and campus, while working closely with the Boulder Faculty Assembly on new licensing priorities for the campus.
Developing annual traditions for incoming students, such as the Buffs One Read and the campus Culture Crawl.
Re-establishing online education as a campus priority, centering ̽��Ƶ faculty expertise and supporting colleges/schools in launching six new online degree programs.
Creating endowed funding for library student worker scholarships and establishing the University Libraries outstanding undergraduate student award for values-based service.

“Because of these accomplishments, ̽��Ƶ is ready to take bold new steps as a leader in both library services and online education,” Moore said.

McDonald said, “I am grateful for the collaborative and entrepreneurial environment at ̽��Ƶ, which supported my efforts to advance student success and belonging, strengthen faculty research and scholarly impact, and bring the vision of an information-empowered world to life.”

As part of that collaboration, McDonald in 2020 founded the Culture Crawl, an annual event that helps students spark friendships and build belonging through engaging with arts and culture institutions on campus. Over 1,100 attendees visited 13 arts and culture spaces across campus including the University Libraries in September 2024 during the fourth annual Culture Crawl—85% of whom were students and 22% were new students to campus.

McDonald served as associate dean for research and technology strategies and librarian at Indiana University prior to becoming dean at ̽��Ƶ.

Dean Robert McDonald of University Libraries has accepted a leadership position at the University of Texas. His last day at ̽��Ƶ will be June 30.

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