High school students from across the country gathered in Colorado’s mountains this summer as part of CIRES’ Girls* on Rock expedition. The 12-day wilderness science education program offers youth aged 16-17 an opportunity to combine outdoor skills, scientific research, and art in a unique alpine environment. The program, supported by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, allows participants to gain hands-on experience in the field while fostering personal growth and teamwork.

The 2024 expedition included nine participants, led by a team of instructors, who spent their days hiking, camping, and conducting scientific experiments in the Rocky Mountains. The students learned about the relationship between slope and wildflower growth, tree age, and soil nitrogen levels while engaging in art activities like sketching mountain landscapes and painting plant details. Alongside science and art, they learned essential outdoor survival skills, including rock climbing, water purification, and navigation, all while managing unpredictable weather conditions.

Byrd Center's Polar and Environmental Geochemistry Lab leader Melisa Diaz, assistant professor at The Ohio State University's School of Earth Sciences, is the lead principal investigator of the NSF grant, providing young women with this incredible opportunity. 

The program, which began in 2018 and is housed at the Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE) at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), expanded this year thanks to NSF funding. Diaz and the program's co-leaders, Anne Gold and Pacifica Sommers, revamped the curriculum to create a structured learning experience while allowing participant feedback to shape future expeditions.

The expedition also incorporated leadership development. Each day, participants rotated through camp responsibilities, such as cooking and cleaning, while practicing mindfulness activities like yoga. The experience pushed them outside their comfort zones and led to lasting friendships and a profound connection between science and the natural world. One participant, Mina Alsafi, reflected on the experience: "I made so many new friends and did things I never thought I could do. It was a life-changing experience, and I would definitely recommend it."

The final stage of the program saw participants presenting their research findings at CU Boulder's Mountain Research Station. In-person and online audiences, including family members and researchers, had the opportunity to ask questions about their research and outdoor experiences. Participants left the program with a greater understanding of how science, art, and nature can intersect in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, the Girls* on Rock leadership team will use feedback from the 2024 cohort to refine the program for future expeditions. 

With three years of secured funding, Girls* on Rock is poised to continue empowering youth from diverse backgrounds to explore science outdoors.

The Girls* on Rock program is part of Inspiring Girls Expeditions (IGE), with several sister programs taking young high school and college age female students worldwide.

Learn more by visiting CIRES' Girls* on Rock program finds new footing in 2024.

Learn more about the 2025 expedition in July.