Bio: Christiane Jablonowski is a Professor in the Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering at the University of Michigan. She previously held appointments at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Dr. Jablonowski’s work advances the weather and climate models from NOAA, the Department of Energy, and NCAR, and focuses on atmospheric fluid dynamics, high-resolution weather and climate modeling, scientific computing, and machine learning techniques. She is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Abstract: The dynamical core is the heart of atmospheric weather and climate models, governing the “resolved” fluid flow and shaping crucial modeling choices, such as grid structure and staggering, vertical coordinates, treatment of topography, numerical methods, and the handling of dissipation. It also sets the framework for coupling with parameterizations of smaller-scale processes like clouds and turbulence. These design aspects can be explored through idealized dynamical core test cases as e.g. fostered by the Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project (DCMIP).  This talk will address two main themes. First, it will provide a brief overview of the history and current state of dynamical cores, with a particular focus on recent developments in the Spectral Element (SE) dynamical core used in the U.S. Department of Energy’s E3SM and NCAR’s Community Earth System Model (CESM). Special attention will be given to the nonhydrostatic version of SE, which has recently been extended to accommodate the so-called “deep-atmosphere” equation set, including all Coriolis forces. Idealized test cases will be presented to illustrate the differences between the shallow- and deep-atmosphere SE configurations. Building on this, the second theme will survey the rationale behind idealized test cases for dynamical cores, showcasing highlights from past DCMIP events and presenting the design and key results of the latest DCMIP-2025 test suite from June 2025. The talk will conclude with perspectives on future directions for dynamical core development. Originally published at environmentalchange.nd.edu.

Through the eyes of a fish: How nature and nurture shape life in changing waters Join us for Science at Sunset, an evening presentation at the Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility, where Julian Torres-Dowdall, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biologicial Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, will discuss what fish can teach us about how animals respond to a changing world.   In this talk, we will explore how freshwater fish species adapt to shifts in their environment - from the way they see, to how they survive infections and temperature changes. Using fish vision as a starting point, we will dive into the ways nature and nurture work together to shape responses to natural challenges and human-driven impacts like lake browning and climate change. Along the way, we will look at how quickly evolution can happen, when flexibility helps survival, and why understanding these responses matters for the future of freshwater communities.   Light snacks will be provided. Bring your own beverage - no glass containers please. Registration is required by August 17 by calling 574-654-3155 or emailing bendixwoods@sjcparks.org.Originally published at environmentalchange.nd.edu.

Eduardo Brondizio, distinguished professor of anthropology at Indiana University-Bloomington and a leading scholar of Amazonian social-ecological systems, will join the Notre Dame community as part of the newly created series titled Notre Dame Seminars on Sustainability. Dr. Brondizio will explore the future of Amazonia by rethinking current crises to address not only environmental concerns such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water cycle disruption but also critical social challenges, including poverty, violence, and social precarity. He will highlight how Indigenous peoples and other historically marginalized and vulnerable communities are responding to these crises through grassroot movements. Often inspired by Liberation Theology, these local initiatives advance sustainability and social justice while influencing regional environmental governance and economies. Through his presentation, he will demonstrate why confronting Amazonia’s social predicaments is not only a moral imperative but essential for building a sustainable and resilient future for the region and the planet. Eduardo S. Brondizio is a distinguished professor of anthropology, director of the Center for the Analysis of Social-Ecological Landscapes, and a senior fellow at the Ostrom Workshop at Indiana University-Bloomington. For over three decades, Brondizio’s work has documented, examined, and responded to the social-environmental transformation and governance challenges of Amazônia and contributed to numerous international initiatives addressing the social dimensions of and the contributions of Indigenous and local knowledge to global environmental change assessments and responses. Notre Dame Seminars on Sustainability Series is a signature lecture series organized by the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative that brings global sustainability leaders and world-class scholars to campus for knowledge sharing and engagement with the Notre Dame community. About Just Transformations to Sustainability As sustainability challenges intensify, their cascading effects on food, energy, water, and infrastructure increasingly threaten the well-being and dignity of people worldwide. Notre Dame’s Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative is the University’s far-reaching response to these urgent threats. Inspired by Pope Francis’s landmark encyclical Laudato si’ (On Care for Our Common Home), the Initiative brings together interdisciplinary scholars, dedicated students, and action partners from around the world to advance transformative solutions for a more just and sustainable future.Originally published at strategicframework.nd.edu.

Join Notre Dame Sustainability for a walk around campus to experience the beauty of Notre Dame. Participants will learn about some of the sustainability initiatives and investments happening at the University that may otherwise go unseen! Only 20 spots are available, so don't wait to sign up! This event is open to the public and will be weather permitting. Please be prepared to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Register today

Notre Dame will be hosting the 2nd Annual National Sustainability Society (NSS) conference, which welcomes those in academia, industry, nonprofits, and governments to come together and share contributions that focus on transformative change for a just and sustainable future. Emerging scholars and early career professionals are especially welcome!  Contributions inspired by a set of 8 subthemes will be accepted through May 18: submit today! Registration for the conference opens June 1. All attendees must register through the NSS website. Student attendees and non-profits have the option of discounted registration fees.  This event is sponsored by the National Sustainability Society and the Pulte Institute.

Notre Dame will be hosting the 2nd Annual National Sustainability Society (NSS) conference, which welcomes those in academia, industry, nonprofits, and governments to come together and share contributions that focus on transformative change for a just and sustainable future. Emerging scholars and early career professionals are especially welcome!  Contributions inspired by a set of 8 subthemes will be accepted through May 18: submit today! Registration for the conference opens June 1. All attendees must register through the NSS website. Student attendees and non-profits have the option of discounted registration fees.  This event is sponsored by the National Sustainability Society and the Pulte Institute.