1. CASA Code of Conduct

The CASA Group is committed to advancing climate and atmospheric science research while developing the next generation of computational scientists. This code of conduct outlines our shared values and behavioral expectations for all group members—graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff, visiting scientists, and collaborators. This is a living document that reflects our collective commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and professional environment where all members can thrive.

1.1. Our Mission and Core Values

The CASA Group pursues two primary objectives:

  1. Advancing fundamental research in climate and atmospheric science through rigorous computational modeling

  2. Developing the next generation of scientists through mentorship, professional development, and collaborative learning

We recognize that good science requires diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We are committed to creating a lab culture where all members feel valued, respected, and supported.

1.2. Inclusivity and Respect

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated rather than tolerated:

  • All members deserve equal respect regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, or socioeconomic background

  • We actively work to integrate diverse voices in our science and decision-making processes

  • Senior members use their privilege to amplify and support voices from underrepresented groups

  • We commit to dedicating time and resources to discussions about equity, diversity, and anti-racism in atmospheric science

  • Language that is discriminatory, exclusionary, homophobic, racist, transphobic, ageist, sexist, or otherwise demeaning will not be tolerated

1.3. Professional Conduct and Communication

We maintain high standards of professionalism and mutual respect:

  • Treat all colleagues with courtesy and kindness, in person and online

  • Use correct names and pronouns for all members

  • Communicate respectfully and avoid condescending language

  • Assume good faith in interactions; most miscommunications are unintentional

  • Email and text-based communication can be easily misinterpreted—when in doubt, seek clarification through direct conversation or a meeting

  • Listen actively without interruption during meetings and discussions

  • Be punctual, organized, and responsive in your professional obligations

  • Accept responsibility for mistakes, learn from them, and support others in doing the same

1.4. Collaboration and Shared Responsibility

Science advances through collaboration. We foster a culture of teamwork where:

  • All members contribute meaningfully to research discussions and activities

  • We actively help colleagues troubleshoot problems, share expertise, and improve methods

  • Feedback is constructive, thoughtful, and aimed at strengthening science

  • All contributions—published, unpublished, technical support, ideas, and informal assistance—are acknowledged and valued

  • Senior members mentor junior colleagues and facilitate networking opportunities

  • We partner across departments, institutions, and international collaborators to advance atmospheric science

  • We challenge ideas rigorously while treating people with respect—we debate science, not personalities

1.5. Mentorship and Professional Development

We are committed to supporting the professional growth of all members:

For Mentors: - Establish regular, structured meetings with mentees - Help clarify career goals and development paths - Facilitate networking and professional connections - Provide constructive feedback and recognition for contributions - Be accessible and responsive to concerns - Support work-life balance and personal wellbeing

For Mentees: - Communicate concerns and needs promptly with mentors - Engage actively in your professional development - Seek to understand project context and broader research goals - Take initiative in learning and seeking feedback

For All Members: - Approach learning with openness and humility, recognizing we all have expertise gaps - Share knowledge generously with colleagues at all levels - Celebrate colleagues’ achievements and contributions

1.6. Safe and Respectful Workspaces

We maintain shared spaces where all members feel comfortable working:

  • Everyone is entitled to clean, distraction-free work areas

  • Keep shared spaces organized and clean before departing

  • Respect colleagues’ focus time and minimize unnecessary interruptions

  • Use computing resources responsibly and mindfully

  • Respect physical and personal boundaries

  • Do not share others’ personal information, health status, or circumstances without explicit consent

1.7. Harassment and Discrimination

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination of any kind:

  • Harassment includes unwelcome conduct, comments, or behavior based on any characteristic listed above

  • Sexual language, imagery, or advances are prohibited

  • Discrimination based on ability, disability, appearance, or any other characteristic is not tolerated

  • Retaliation against anyone reporting concerns is prohibited

  • Every member has the responsibility to contribute to a harassment-free environment

If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, you have several options:

Reporting Options: - Speak directly with the involved person if you feel safe doing so - Contact Omar confidentially - Submit a formal complaint through your institution

Conflict Resolution: - Minor misunderstandings should first be addressed directly with involved parties in a professional manner - If direct conversation doesn’t resolve the issue, escalate to Omar for mediation - For serious matters, formal institutional channels are available

1.8. Anti-Racism and Social Awareness

We recognize that atmospheric science does not operate in a vacuum. Systemic inequities have historically excluded many voices from our field, and these disparities persist:

  • We are committed to actively discussing and addressing systemic racism and oppression in academia and science

  • We work to implement anti-racist practices in our recruitment, mentorship, and lab culture

  • We actively engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

  • We acknowledge and learn from historical injustices in our field

  • We use our platform and resources to support colleagues from underrepresented groups

1.9. Practical Principles for Lab Life

Communication Norms: - Respond to messages and emails promptly (within 1-2 business days when possible) - Be clear about expectations regarding work hours and availability - Discuss concerns directly rather than through third parties when possible

Meetings and Discussions: - All perspectives deserve to be heard; use a “take space, make space” approach - Challenge ideas and conclusions, not the people presenting them - Acknowledge valid points even when you disagree on the overall assessment

Recognition and Acknowledgement: - Celebrate both individual and collective achievements - Give credit appropriately in publications, presentations, and conversations - Recognize informal contributions and peer support

1.10. Creating the Culture We Want

This code of conduct is only as strong as our collective commitment to upholding it. Every member of CASA has a responsibility to:

  • Model the behavior we expect

  • Support colleagues who may be struggling or facing barriers

  • Speak up respectfully when you see problems or concerning behavior

  • Continuously reflect on and improve our practices

  • Contribute your authentic self to our community

Remember that harm is sometimes unintentional. When someone points out that your behavior was hurtful, respond with curiosity and a willingness to understand, rather than defensiveness.

1.11. Questions and Concerns

If you have questions about this code of conduct, concerns about group dynamics, or need support, please reach out to Omar. We are committed to addressing issues promptly and fairly, and to maintaining confidentiality when appropriate.

1.12. References and Acknowledgments

This code of conduct was developed in part based on best practices from other excellent research groups and institutions:

We are grateful to these groups for sharing their work and contributing to the advancement of inclusive scientific communities.