Profile:

Montes earned a Bachelor’s in Biology from San Diego State University. She is motivated to work in climate change research. She is also committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to get involved with science and technology

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NERTO Research Project Title:

ASSESSING CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) FLUXES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NATURAL SYSTEMS

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NERTO Project Details :

Synopsis: Terrestrial ecosystems play an important role in climate change mitigation. In Southern California there is a high diversity of natural systems, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, coastal salt marshes, grasslands, and woodlands. It is crucial to clarify if these ecosystems act as CO2 sources or sinks, and how CO2 fluxes have changed throughout time in Southern California for adequate future management. The objective of this internship is to engage graduate studies in CO2 flux data in Southern California natural landscapes in support of NOAA missions

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NERTO Outcomes:

The results from the WRF urban parameterization will be integrated into the Rapid Refresh/ High-Resolution Rapid Refresh/HRRR physics suite and its impact on forecast performance tested and documented in case studies

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Value of NERTO to the Line Office:

The NWS in San Diego is now aware of the research done at SDSU’S Sky Oaks Field Station, which opens the opportunity for collaboration, conference presentations, and outreach events

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NERTO Skills:

Python, R Studio, Customer Service, Public Speaking, Leadership