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Member Since 2010
Twila A. Moon
CIRES University of Colorado Boulder
Dr. Twila Moon is Deputy Lead Scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, within the University of Colorado Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES). Her pioneering research focuses on the Greenland Ice Sheet and Arctic systems science. In 2025, Dr. Moon also became the first Climate Science Engagement Lead at the CIRES Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation, connecting climate dots for business, policy, finance, philanthropy, and media.
Professional Experience
CIRES University of Colorado Boulder
2025 - Present
CIRES University of Colorado Boulder
Deputy Lead Scientist (NSIDC) & Climate Science Engagement Lead (CEEE)
2017 - 2025
Education
University of Washington Seattle
Doctorate
2014
Twila's AGU Research

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Honors & Awards
Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize
Received December 2025
Citation
Dr. Twila Moon is an internationally recognized Arctic scientist focused on the changing Greenland Ice Sheet and its contributions to sea level rise. Alongside her scientific work, she has taken a professional approach to climate communication for more than 15 years, beginning as a Science Communication Fellow while earning her Ph.D. at the University of Washington. Her communication centers on how climate change is reshaping the cryosphere, using this as a stepping stone for broader climate conversations and reaching policymakers, economic leaders, and the public. Dr. Moon’s commitment to science communication stems from a deep belief that since she possesses the skills and understanding to communicate her work, she has a responsibility to do so—because she holds a more nuanced view of the science than what could be conveyed by a communications team alone. This conviction has enabled her to explain both her own work and complex climate topics more broadly, which is an important and unique skill. She excels at connecting Arctic science to societal impacts, making it accessible and relevant to nonpolar, nonexpert audiences through engaging, human-centered narratives that inspire action. A hallmark of Dr. Moon’s work is her tangible influence. Since 2019, she has been regularly sought out by major media outlets to explain urgent issues related to Arctic change, sea level rise, global climate dynamics, and glacial geoengineering. Her media footprint is significant, with an average of three requests per month and near-daily engagement during periods of heightened attention to the cryosphere. Her accomplishments in climate communication are broad, deep, and sustained, reflecting both intentional pursuit and growing demand for her expertise. Within the scientific community, Dr. Moon has led the development of the open-source QGreenland GIS (geographic information system) package, which facilitates research and education across disciplines. She served as a key delegation member to COP26, where she distilled critical science for international policymakers. Dr. Moon’s impact extends beyond public communication. She is frequently relied upon for congressional testimony and policy briefings, where she translates complex findings from sources such as the Arctic Report Card into actionable knowledge for decision-makers. She also trains global business, foundation, media, and political leaders through multiday workshops, providing science-based insights that catalyze meaningful climate action. For her innovation and dedication to climate science communication that has brought the complexity of the Arctic system to a broad audience Dr. Twila Moon is the most deserving recipient of the Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize. —Ginny Catania, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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