As Julien Wang wraps up work on her master's degree and interviews for a job focused on air pollution or energy policy, it looks like she's come a long way from the big, dirty city in northern China where she was born.

Julien Wang, Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) • When it came time to choose a major, Wang was torn between the arts and her growing interest in the environment. Finally, she chose environmental engineering. One recent project: designing a green roof.

Eric J. Barron was named director of NCAR today, following a rigorous international search.

The convening lead authors of today's landmark government report on climate change impacts in the United States are available for comment.

The National Science Board has authorized the National Science Foundation to negotiate a new cooperative agreement with UCAR to continue to manage and operate its flagship weather and climate center, NCAR.