Julie Malmberg named director of UCAR Center for Science Education
Experienced researcher and education leader brings expertise in operational excellence
Nov 2, 2026 - by Staff
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) has chosen Julie Malmberg to serve as the new director of the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd). She assumed her new position today.
An award-winning STEM educational leader with extensive experience in advancing science education programs at SciEd, Malmberg brings proven operational leadership across the full educational continuum, from early childhood programming to national workforce initiatives. She has worked at UCAR for 15 years across three UCAR Community Programs, becoming SciEd’s assistant director in 2023 and acting director in January 2026.
In her new position, Malmberg will set strategic direction for SciEd and ensure it continues to offer innovative resources, tools, and services to the Earth system science education communities. SciEd provides state-of-the-art educational experiences that connect Earth system science to a broad community of learners, from K–12 students and educators, to university faculty, students, and the public.
“Julie is an exemplary leader and a strong advocate for SciEd and the educational, outreach and workforce development efforts across the entire organization," said UCAR Community Programs (UCP) Director Christine Wiedinmyer. “She is dedicated to serving the Earth system science educational and research communities, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Malmberg holds a doctorate in geography with a climate focus from the University of Colorado Boulder and a bachelor's and a master's in atmospheric sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, providing the rare subject-matter authority required to guarantee the scientific veracity of UCAR’s educational resources, digital media, and exhibits.
“It is an honor to lead SciEd, and this role is a dream come true for me,” said Malmberg. “I’m deeply grateful to the mentors who guided me along the way. Our team connects science to learners of every age, and I’m proud of the creativity and commitment brought to that work. I’m excited to deepen our partnerships with member universities and the broader science education community, and to help more people discover the joy of understanding our planet.”