Monica Madronich, an associate scientist III at CIRES, leads the Measurement of Atmospheric Gases that Influence Climate Change (MAGICC) lab at NOAA’s Global Monitoring lab. Her work focuses on analyzing samples from the global greenhouse gas flask network. Madronich was born and raised in Mexico City, and her educational background is both varied and impressive — she’s studied biochemistry, pharmacy, and environmental chemistry and she holds a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology. Madronich “cannot do anything without coffee,”, and she loves Doctor Who, her golden retrievers, and Colorado Avalanche hockey. Her husband is her biggest supporter.

Humans of CIRES Q&A

Q: What do you work on at CIRES?

I am in charge of the MAGICC (Measurement of Atmospheric Gases that Influence Climate Change) lab at NOAA’s Global Monitoring Lab. I am responsible for the analysis of the greenhouse gas flask network samples.

Q: What is your educational background?

I was born and raised in Mexico City. I am a proud UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) alumni. At UNAM, I got a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and pharmacy and a masters degree in Environmental Chemistry. I am also a proud Buff alumnus — I got my PhD from the EBIO department at CU Boulder. I guess I am a scientific hybrid.

Q: Coffee or tea?

Definitely coffee. I cannot do anything without coffee. And if I do not get coffee, people around me are in danger.

Q: Tell us about a hobby of yours.

More than hobbies, I have three obsessions: 

1. Doctor Who. I have seen every single episode!
2. Golden retrievers. I have two of them! Their names are Falco and Sage 
3. Last but not least - Colorado Avalanche hockey!

Q: Tell us about your family.

I am married to a wonderful man, who supports me in everything I do — including work and hobbies (aka obsessions).