Melissa Burt named newest member of ATS faculty

Alumna and longtime director of CSU’s REU Site in Earth System Science, Melissa Burt has been appointed to the department faculty. Burt will continue in her role as Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, while taking on her new position as assistant professor.

Burt will conduct research and teach classes related to social responsibility, science identity, mentorship, and social justice in STEM, with a particular focus in atmospheric science. She also will continue to support department efforts to build a more inclusive environment and recruit and train a more diverse graduate student body.

“I am thrilled to join the ATS faculty and continue to work towards nurturing and supporting an inclusive, equitable, and just atmospheric science community,” Burt said.

Burt has been developing diversity and inclusion initiatives in the department for more than a decade. In 2018 she was named Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion by Dean David McLean. She leads strategic planning and implementation of diversity, inclusion, and equity goals, and contributes to Universitywide diversity and inclusion initiatives.

CSU recognized Burt in 2021 with the President’s Council on Culture Award, for her efforts to create an inclusive and equitable culture. Also in 2021, the American Meteorological Society honored Burt with the Charles E. Anderson Award, for her outstanding contributions to the promotion of diversity in atmospheric science and broader communities through education and community service.