Dr. Melissa Burt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University with a focus on arctic clouds, radiation, and sea ice, as well as the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University. Melissa’s research focuses on the interactions of Arctic clouds, radiation, and sea ice, with interests ranging from cloud-radiation feedbacks, hydrological and energy cycles in climate, and climate change feedbacks. Dr. Burt oversees strategic and implementation efforts for diversity, inclusion, and equity goals across the college. This position focuses on recruitment, retention, and engagement of faculty/staff, and supports the college-wide recruitment and retention efforts of undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented groups.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and young daughter. Melissa and her daughter love to go to the beach, which they consider a happy escape for both of them. She first became interested in science by reading the children’s page in the Washington Post with her grandfather, especially the segments about weather.