iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I just submitted my formal comment on the disastrous proposal to transform essentially all U.S. federal grantmaking--affecting every sector of American science, technology, education, & health--into an overtly partisan political process. Full text here: weatherwest.com/wp-c...

Screenshot of page 1 of my letter (see link in post for full text).

Screenshot of page 2 of my letter (see link in post for full text).

Screenshot of page 3 of my letter (see link in post for full text).

Screenshot of page 4 of my letter (see link in post for full text).

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Agata Rożek @agastro.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Today on arxiv, a preprint of Richard Cannon's (my excellent PhD student) freshly accepted paper! If you enjoyed the Rosetta mission to comet 67P, you'll like the looks of this space-duck asteroid, as revealed by radar 🔭☄️ 📡🪨

A grayscale rendition of an asteroid shaped vaguely as a rubber duck or a shoe. The background are reference axes with a scale in km showing she asteroid to be just over 600m across.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I just submitted my letter to NSF responding to its proposal to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). I argue that doing so would be an astonishing and avoidable misstep, and that federal support for the institution should in fact be *increased.* [1/4]

Page 2 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: constructive suggestions regarding how the already remarkable institutional efficiency and societal impact of NCAR could be further enhanced through increased (not decreased) federal support in the years to come.
Please note: To ensure the highest level of technical rigor, this response focuses exclusively on the core atmospheric and natural hazard science topics within the author’s primary domain of expertise; for this reason, I have omitted a response to Topic 4 (Space Weather)."

NCAR weather modeling and atmospheric observing capabilities
a) Management and operations of weather-related observational platforms, modeling and science as a stand-alone activity.
The proposed management of weather-related research as a stand-alone activity is a scientifically regressive path that ignores the fundamental physical reality of the Earth system. Modern atmospheric science has demonstrated (largely, it is worth noting, due to groundbreaking researc

Page 3 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: b) Management and operations of weather-related observational platforms, modeling and science as combined with other NSF investments/facilities.
The highly specialized nature of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC) infrastructure represents an extraordinary value proposition that cannot be replicated by combining it with more generalized NSF programs. The NWSC is not a generic high-performance computing (HPC) facility; it is a laboratory uniquely optimized for atmospheric science workflows, with a hardware and storage architecture specifically designed to handle the massive, high-bandwidth data demands of Earth system modeling. Furthermore, its model of providing an excellent, free-at-point-of-use technical support team ensures that the focus remains on the science rather than the overhead of systems administration. This centralized expertise allows individual researchers, smaller labs, and even entire universities—who would otherwi

Page 4 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: NCAR Mesa Lab (located in Boulder, Colorado)
a/b) Ownership of the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab building for public and private use.
Far more than just an office building, NSF NCAR Mesa Lab is an iconic and purpose-built facility designed specifically for the study of atmospheric science. Its position at the physical interface of the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Great Plains is a deliberate reflection of its mission, serving as a visible symbol—in an iconically American setting—of the federal government's enduring commitment to science in service of society. For many in the field, including myself, the Mesa Lab holds singular importance as a focal gathering point for the global atmospheric science community. My own early career exposure to weather and Earth system modeling, in fact, occurred within these walls, and I have long felt that the facility’s architecture and location inspire a necessary sense of awe regarding the atmosphere’s complexity a

Page 1 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: Dear Acting Director Stone and the NSF NCAR restructuring team:

I am writing to provide a formal response to the Request for Information (RFI) regarding the proposed restructuring of the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and its critical weather science infrastructure contained within the January 23, 2026 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) entitled “NSF Intent to Restructure Critical Weather Infrastructure.” I submit these comments in my professional capacity as an atmospheric research scientist within the University of California, where my research focuses on the physics and dynamics of atmospheric processes related to extreme weather events and their role in shifting natural hazard and disaster risk.

My perspective is informed by a public-sector career dedicated to bridging the gap between fundamental atmospheric research and real-world application in an academic context, with a particular focus on understanding and mitigating

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Alessondra Springmann, PhD @sondy.com · 11/03/2026

@cpsc.gov do you have opinions about plugging clothing irons into power strips or extension cords?

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Alessondra Springmann, PhD @sondy.com · 11/11/2025

Quote from your friendly neighborhood asteroid scientist.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Eos @eos.org · 09/11/2025

Some asteroids spin smoothly. Others tumble chaotically. Understanding their differences could help us learn more about asteroid history and improve planetary defense measures.

eos.org

What Tumbling Asteroids Tell Us About Their Innards - Eos

Data from the Gaia space observatory reveal that many slowly spinning asteroids rotate chaotically. A new theory links that chaos to their inner structure and history.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Matthew R Francis @bowlerhatscience.org · 09/11/2025

It me! My story! I dun writ it! 🧪🔭

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Eos @eos.org · 06/11/2025

Some asteroids spin smoothly. Others tumble chaotically. Understanding their differences could help us learn more about asteroid history and improve planetary defense measures. Research led by @wzhou.bsky.social at @utokyoofficial.bsky.social, comments from @sondy.com eos.org/articles/wha...

eos.org

What Tumbling Asteroids Tell Us About Their Innards - Eos

Data from the Gaia space observatory reveal that many slowly spinning asteroids rotate chaotically. A new theory links that chaos to their inner structure and history.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Dr. Adeene Denton @spacewhalerider.com · 21/09/2025

Look at how round this bird is!!! Bird of the year!!

Male takahe walking on grass. It is SO ROUND

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Alessondra Springmann, PhD @sondy.com · 09/08/2025

Anyone had success at getting a health insurer (UHC) to cover a medical food like Visbiome? It’s infinitely cheaper for them than having me on a $$$$$ biologic, but insurance doesn’t want to touch medical foods despite studies.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Gender Census @gendercensus.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

The 12th annual international Gender Census 2025 is now open until at least 30th August 2025! survey.gendercensus.com It's for anyone whose gender (or lack thereof) isn't described by the M/F binary. It's short and easy, and results are useful in academia, business and self-advocacy.

Title: Gender Census 2025.

Text: If you can't easily put yourself into just one of these two boxes, you are invited to take part.

Illustration: Two boxes, each with photos of relevant dictionary pages.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Bread Is Life @breadnbougie.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

People who talk casually about using CHATGPT disturbs me. Their only arguments for WHY are regurgitated messaging. Thankfully, @timnitgebru.bsky.social has the words for what I've been thinking. This interview is worth a listen. Moral of the story: Listen to Black women. youtu.be/69llIcdTqIo?...

youtu.be

Maybe These Systems Shouldn’t Exist - Dr. Timint Gebru Asks the Questions Others Won’t - Part II

YouTube video by AnitaB_org

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

David Roberts @volts.wtf · 07/07/2025

Big new poll finds that ... are you sitting down? ... "a bipartisan majority supports raising taxes on high incomes and wealth, including restoring pre-2017 tax rates, taxing capital gains like regular income, and introducing new taxes on large fortunes."

publicconsultation.org

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

ChooseWild @choosewild.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

“It’s unconscionable to cut funding for people in need to pay for tax cuts to the wealthy... It’s just pouring more money into the most destructive parts of our industrial food system.” -Stephanie Feldstein, program director @biologicaldiversity.org insideclimatenews.org/news/0307202...

insideclimatenews.org

'Big Beautiful Bill' Set to Slash Through U.S. Climate and Justice Drive - Inside Climate News

Trump’s legislation will hurt clean energy, boost fossil fuels and end investment in environmental justice. Climate advocates vow to continue the fight.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Rebecca Nagle @rebeccanagle.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

A quickly spreading fire on the Navajo Nation is forcing evacuations. ictnews.org/news/oak-rid... Dropping resources in the thread for those who want to support fire victims.

ictnews.org

Oak Ridge Fire: ‘A very difficult time’ for Navajo Nation - ICT News

The fire grows to more than 10,000 acres on Wednesday and hundreds of people evacuated

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Sarah Tuttle @niais.cryptoanarchy.network · 18/06/2025

I'm broken hearted to see the ruling for Tennessee. Dismantling access to healthcare for trans kids is unforgivable. The government has no place setting these kinds of policies. These treatments and medications are safe and tested. Gender enforcement kills people. Medicine shouldn't be ideology.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 15/06/2025

Masks are under serious threat at being banned widely due to politicization. This would be a public health disaster. If you are only wearing a mask at protests, please consider also wearing them elsewhere. The more people mask, the more we normalize masks and protect them against bans.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

MaryT @blueskymaryt.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

"And what about people who need to mask to avoid pollen, chemical scents or wildfire smoke? They won’t be able to under this new bill. Last year we saw record wildfires with many days of dangerous air quality all over Canada and the US. " No mask bans.

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Alessondra Springmann, PhD @sondy.com · 10/06/2025

always good to know I’m not the only one who thinks of this Of Montreal song whenever the topic of Antarctica comes up

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Mining camps ‘like a frat house’ — The silencing of Native women in #mining boomtowns. In #Arizona, where the Apache Stronghold is fighting to #saveOakFlat, ‘green’ mining supporters don’t want to hear about #MMIWG. New from @odetteauger.bsky.social: ricochet.media/indigenous/m... #landback

ricochet.media

Mining camps 'like a frat house’: The silencing of Native women in mining boomtowns

In Arizona, ‘green’ mining supporters don’t want to hear about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Dr. Theresa Chapple @drtheresachapple.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Joni saying "we all are going to die" has caused me sleepless nights. Not because of what she said, but because of what she didn't. She didn't say that policies dictate who will die prematurely. Nor did she tell you that she supports such policies. So here I am, telling you what she forgot to say.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Sarah Hörst @planetdr.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Now would be a great time to make sure your congress folks know that you do in fact want Covid boosters

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

🇵🇸Martin “Doomsday” Pfeiffer🖖🏳️‍🌈 @nuclearanthro.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Also, actually get your annual COVID vaccine. The virus mutates. Immunity wanes. And get your annual flu vaccine too for the same reasons. Both COVID & influenza can kill or disable you. low uptake of annual COVID vaccines bolsters Regime claims they are unwanted.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Jessica Ellis @baddestmamajama.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

This is very true. And brings me to ask, once again, what are people who are smart enough to spot the eugenics in this argument doing to avoid giving Covid to vulnerable people?

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Hank Green @hankgreen.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

The new Neil Halloran documentary on Smallpox has completely changed how I see the RFK Jr. version of the world. Neil (softly) argues that realizing that disease isn't the fault of the sick /or/ the fault of the Gods ushered in a new future where we felt the authority to care for each other.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Alondra Nelson @alondra.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

"If you look at a long period of time, a lot of our increase in living standards seems to be coming from public investment in scientific research." The devastating cuts to science funding aren't just academic, they threaten our livelihoods and wellbeing. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/30/b...

nytimes.com

Trump’s Cuts to Science Funding Could Hurt U.S. Economy, Study Shows (Gift Article)

Reducing federal support for research and development could cause long-run economic damage and reduce government revenue.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Dr. Divya (🔔 logged out) @divyampersaud.com · 03/05/2025

10 hours left. Not sure what to say. This isn’t hopeless. We are not helpless. If this team—themselves starving and facing the unimaginable every second—hasn’t given up, how can you? How can you even begin to choose hopelessness? Last check, SO close, 574/700. chuffed.org/project/save...

A tan square graphic. In the background is a photo of tents among the rubble and ruins of buildings in Jabalia, Gaza. The image is gradually faded towards the text. Title: Urgent help for medical case in Jabalia, Gaza. Text: “The situation in northern Gaza has become extremely dangerous and evacuation orders are approaching. A small team is aiding a handful of devastated families who have no one else to turn to. A member of one of these families has been living with a severe injury for 18 months, now especially vulnerable due to starvation. With your help, the team will provide urgent financial assistance to this person & their family for essential needs. Be their hope: https://tiny.cc/SaveJabaliaFamilies. Faster option: PP: divyamper, note “J””

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Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 🌌 @chanda.blacksky.app · 01/05/2025

This is a really big deal and if you’re a member of the American public you should submit a comment saying it’s important not to implement this new plan because an independent civil service is essential in a democracy. ww2.aip.org/fyi/opm-adva...

ww2.aip.org

OPM Advances Plan to Remove Civil Service Protections for Policy Roles

Grantmaking staff included in a new workforce classification would be subject to greater political control.

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Catalina Sky Survey @catalinaskysurvey.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

We are recruiting a new C programmer. If you love astronomy and want to work on the front lines of planetary defense creating custom software solutions for extracting new NEOs from image data and much more, please take a look! 🔭 arizona.csod.com/ui/internal-...

arizona.csod.com

Welcome - Realize Your Potential: Cornerstone

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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

NZ: "A group of New Zealand doctors, teachers, academics and principals are urging the Government to improve air quality in schools and childcare centres to reduce Covid-19 and other air-borne illness." Source: archive.md/2OOFa

‘I’m sick of being sick’: Call to fix air quality in schools and childcare

A group of doctors, teachers, academics and principals are urging the Government to improve air quality in schools and childcare centres to reduce Covid-19 and other air-borne illness.

By Cate Macintosh

April 29, 2025

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Bilbo Yaga @bilboyaga.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Every aspect of fascism—from racism to transphobia to climate destruction—will kill or disable you. This is why we need disability justice at the center of our resistance. This is why we need to listen to and follow the lead of disabled folks. Give/get mask mutual aid, for illness and pollution:

maskbloc.org

Worldwide Mask Bloc Directory – Find your local Mask Bloc

MaskBloc.org lists active Mask Blocs around the world. Free high-quality masks, COVID-19 tests and other equipment for your community. Mutual Aid & We Keep Us Safe.

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Leonard Pierce @leonardpierce.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

This is, weirdly, the most purely fascist shit anyone in the administration has said so far - Your health is an asset of the fatherland - Illness is a failure or a moral failing - You have a duty to maintain your health - Healthcare is not a right, it's a finite resource - Die for the fatherland

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

Stef "inclusion is a human right" Christensen @wikisteff.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Update: whole-assed data leak on Palantir shows internal planning, comms strategy to get employees behind disappearance-mongering, comms strategy for employees to use with partners, family, friends about aiding and abetting fascism. bsky.app/profile/jose...

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Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 13/04/2025

On Mon 4/14 @ 4pm PT, I will have a special live session to discuss the rapidly unfolding, chaotic, & apparently intensifying actual & proposed cuts to NOAA & NASA that threaten to decimate weather & climate science & prediction in the U.S. See you then. youtube.com/live/mbt...

youtube.com

Weather & climate office hour 04/14/2025: Dismantling of NOAA, NASA, & climate research accelerates - YouTube

The latest in a recurring series of live, virtual, & interactive "office hours" hosted by Dr. Daniel Swain on various topics related to extreme weather and c...

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Yell In a War @jelenawoehr.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

incorrect headline: “Trump administration to screen immigrants for antisemitism” accurate headline: “Trump administration blames Jews for expansion of surveillance state”

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barbylon @barbylon.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

The US science community relies on a massive network of post-bacs, graduate students, and post-docs, many of whom are foreign nationals. We train these students and in return we get a ginormous scientific output that makes us a stronger nation - BUT this system is now under attack. (1)

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

James Tuttle Keane @jtuttlekeane.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

**This would end space science as we know it.** I’d probably be out of a job. Successful ongoing missions would be turned off. Future missions would be axed. Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.

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Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

The only way forward, that I can see, requires both courage and collective action. If we’re not going to fight for our students and our scholarship, then what the hell are we doing anyway?

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Alessondra Springmann, PhD @sondy.com · 30/03/2025

Watched Rogue One tonight at the library with @spacewhalerider.com! Such a good Star Wars film. Possibly one of the best?

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

emily blight 🐦‍⬛ @threnody.northsky.social · 23/03/2025

hi, cis folks! if we *are* going to talk ACA, RFK's HHS proposed a rule to remove *all trans care* from ACA essential health benefit status. ~25mil people are insured by ACA & if 1% are trans, that's 250,000 people who'd lose access to care. that's bad! take 2 minutes to stand with trans people.🧵

federalregister.gov

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability

This proposed rule would revise standards relating to past-due premium payments; exclude Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients from the definition of "lawfully present"; the evidentiary st...

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Reposted by Alessondra Springmann, PhD

William C. @williamcson.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

There are too many people in the US arguing that they want others abroad to be massacred and destroyed by an administration they feel is “responsible” enough to massacre and destroy.

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