January 01, 2020

Every summer the Center for Climate and Life supports a cohort of high school students who spend four weeks at Lamont working with an individual scientist on a research projects. Several groups have come through the Rock Mechanics Lab over the years studying a variety of processes related to ice creep and regelation processes. 

Every year (or so) Lamont has an Open House, during which we open our doors to the public and show off our science. In the Rock Mechanics Lab we have hands on activities that allow visitors to squeeze, slide, and break rocks just like we get to do every day. Open House is usually held in early October. See you there!

Science Cheerleaders is a non profit organization of current and former NFL and NBA cheerleaders with STEM careers. The idea of the group is to playfully challenge stereotypes about what each of those professions looks like and we try to inspire young people to pursue their passions. Activities that I have participated in include science fairs, science camps, interviews. 

I joined Columbia Alumni on a 10-day cruise of the Sea of Japan. On board, guests could attend hour-long lectures by experts on a variety of topics. Most talks were focused on the art and history of the region. Though not an expert, per se, I boned up on the geology of Japan and gave two lectures entitled: "Japan and the Ring of Fire" and "Earthquakes: Friend or Foe?"