The second edition of the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) Mentorship program is coming in 2023. Register now (limited seats available).
In 2022, over 50 participants from around the world, learned from top subject matter experts on a wide array of precipitation-related topics. IMERG, DPR, ground validation, data discovery, and processing were some of the many topics discussed in the program. 12 capstone projects were also developed by the participants in close collaboration with SMEs who acted as mentors.
Quick links:
In 2023, the program will continue to offer a unique training opportunity to users (novice to intermediate). We will also introduce exciting upgrades, for an even more interactive and competitive learning experience.
Before you continue, consider learning more about the GPM mission here.
For more information, please contact vasco.mantas /at/ dct.uc.pt or andrea.m.portier /at / nasa.gov
You can also use our contact form.
Now happening: Apply to the program (deadline January 31, 2023) Next in the calendar: Notification of acceptance (February 15, 2023)
Program description:
The second edition of the GPM Mentorship is designed to support new users from established and underrepresented user communities and provide a tailored hands-on learning experience. It will provide participants with an overview of state-of-the-art Precipitation Estimates and the first take on GPM applications to solve scientific and societal challenges.
Unlike training programs centered around content consumption (e.g. video webinars and tutorials), the program provides both theoretical (lecture series) and practical (capstone project) training, supported by subject matter experts. The capstone project will contribute to consolidating learned skills and promote close interaction with top scientists in the GPM community.
Participants are expected to become local pivots for the dissemination of GPM products and best practices, laying the foundations of local GPM hubs.
Register!
This is a free, online learning program. Registration is now open.
Registration form: here.
Number of available seats: 16 (for the capstone project)
Methods of selection: Registration will require the submission of a short CV (50% of the score) and a motivation letter (50% of the score). Preference will be given to graduate students and early-career scientists. Demonstrable ability and interest in applying the new skills to solve ‘real-world’ problems will be valued. Members of development and meteorological agencies are strongly encouraged to apply.
50% of the seats will be assigned preferentially to participants from lower and middle-lower income countries (check list of countries here).
Please notice that if you are from one of NASA’s designated countries (see list here), unfortunately you will not be able to participate in the capstone project portion of the program. However, you may participate in the lecture series.
Registration: January 10 – January 31, 2023
Program starts March 1, 2023
Program structure
Participants will be exposed to state-of-the-art topics on precipitation measurement missions, technologies, and applications during 5, 2-hour theoretical sessions (March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29). The sessions will be followed by the development of a project, supervised by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The project will have a duration of 2 months and focus on topics suggested by the mentors and adjusted to the skills and interests of the students.
The outcome of the projects will be presented during a final session, which will take place on June 7, 2023 (tentative date).
Training Sessions
The final agenda will be published soon.
March 1 (09.00 am – 11.00 am EST): GPM Fundamentals and IMERG data discovery/access
March 8 (09.00 am – 11.00 am EST): Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR)
March 15 (09.00 am – 11.00 am EST): Precipitation classification and extreme events
March 22 (09.00 am – 11.00 am EST): Bias corrections and uncertainty
March 29 (09.00 am – 11.00 am EST): Part I: Precipitation retrievals using AI / Part II: Surface Modeling
Selected candidates will start the 2-month project under the supervision of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on March 30.
Early June: Final session, for the presentation of project highlights and discussion of results.
List of trainers and mentors
Program leads:
Dr. Aaron Funk (Texas A&M University)
Dr. Andrey Savtchenko (NASA)
Dr. Ardeshir Ebtehaj (University of Minnesota)
Dr. Chuntao Liu (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)
Dr. Courtney Schumacher (Texas A&M University)
Dorian Janney (NASA)
Dr. Jackson Tan (NASA)
Dr. Joe Turk (NASA)
Dr. Lisa Milani (NASA)
Dr. Mircea Grecu (NASA)
Dr. Pierre Kistetter (University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology / NOAA)
Dr. Yagmur Derin (University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology)
Dr. Zhong Liu (George Mason University and NASA)
The list of speakers and mentors will continue to be updated.