AOSC Seminar by Dr. Valerie Were, 10/19/2023
AOSC Seminar
Dr. Valerie Were
NOAA NWS / NOAA CIRA
Title:
Understanding the Ready in Weather-Ready Nation by Integrating Social and Physical Sciences at
the National Weather Service
Abstract:
The National Weather Service’s vision is a Weather-Ready Nation where society is prepared for and
responds to weather, water, and climate-dependent events. Weather forecasts have improved
significantly over the years demonstrating advancements in knowledge of how forecasts can support the
vision. However, accurate weather forecasts do not ensure optimal societal outcomes. There remains a
gap in understanding the nation’s readiness for increasingly severe events. Filling this gap requires that
the NWS integrate social science with the ongoing, world-class physical science. In 2021, the NWS
formally established a Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBES) program in the Office of Science
and Technology Integration to help with that synthesis. This talk will provide an overview of what SBES
are, how they are integrated into the weather enterprise, and how they help the NWS realize its vision.
Bio:
Valerie Were, Ph.D. is a Social and Behavioral Science Program Analyst with the Cooperative Institute for
Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA). In that role, she supports the Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Sciences Program at the National Weather Service (NWS) turn weather, water, and climate information
into social action by integrating social with physical sciences. Before joining CIRA in August 2021, Valerie
was the Social Science Lead at the NOAA Cooperative Science Center for Earth System Sciences and
Remote Sensing Technologies where she was responsible for incorporating human dimensions into the
Center's education, training, and research. Prior to that, she was a contractor in the NOAA Chief
Economist’s Office, which coordinates social sciences across the agency. Valerie holds a B.S. in
Watershed Science from Utah State University and survived the winters to earn an M.S. in Water
Resources Science and a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Science and Management from the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities. When she’s not working she’s likely enjoying an outdoor activity, watching
sports, reading, or replacing the house plants she can’t seem to keep alive.
For accessibility purposes, Zoom Closed Captions will be turned on. This automatic service does not represent any presenter-endorsed transcript of the seminar and should not be quoted as such.
Contact: Maria Molina
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AOSC Seminar
Pre-seminar refreshment: N/A
Seminar: 3:30-4:30pm, Room: ATL 2400(only when in-person)
Meet-the-Speaker: 4:30-5:00pm, Room: ATL 3400(only when in-person) [For AOSC Students only]
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