Welcome to SOARS !
As the program coordinator I manage the day-to-day operations of SOARS and I lead the organizational effort of the Summer Research Program. From recruiting and selecting our proteges, matching them up with scientist mentors to supporting them while they are here in their exploration of a science career, a lot goes into the preparation of a SOARS summer. Almost every year we have proteges who do research outside of Boulder and we make sure they are well supported as well.

Part of my job is the management of the SOARS budget, reporting to our funders and the awarding of SOARS undergraduate and graduate scholarships. I am the editor of the SOARS website and the SOARS newsletter.

My Background
My eduaction in geography and anthropology (Master's Degree in Geography from the University of Hamburg in Germany) taught me a love for travelling and getting to know new cultures. My career as a geographer began with a hydrological study in the cloud forest of the Sierra de las Minas in Guatemala. I stayed in Guatemala until 2001 and managed environmental and community development projects . I enjoy learning new languages and was lucky to live with Maya-Q'echi'', an indigenous group in Guatemala and learn their language. After my years in Guatemala, I moved to Boulder, CO and taught Geography and Spanish at a Boulder college before joining UCAR/NCAR in 2004.

Community
In my freetime, I volunteer in human rights issues and during the winter season I volunteer for the Boulder Homeless Shelter. On weekends you can find me on one of Boulder's trails!

Contact Info
Rebecca Haacker-Santos
SOARS Program Coordinator
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
(CG2 - 3128)
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307-3000
Phone: 303-497-8623 Fax: 303-497-8629
email Rebecca Haacker-Santos