�鶹��Ƶ to Offer Bachelor of Science Degree Beginning Fall 2026</h1> <article> <h1>�鶹��Ƶ to Offer Bachelor of Science Degree Beginning Fall 2026</h1> <p>mreed — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:20:14 +0000</p> <span>�鶹��Ƶ to Offer Bachelor of Science Degree Beginning Fall 2026</span> <span><span>mreed</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-16T15:20:14-04:00" title="Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 15:20">Thu, 10/16/2025 - 15:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The new degree gives students pursuing a wide range of eligible majors—from biochemistry and computer science to psychology and economics—the opportunity to graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS), depending on the balance of their coursework. Students who complete at least one BS-eligible major and 16 full courses carrying the Natural Science and Mathematics designation may choose to receive the BS degree.</p><aside class="pull obj-right"><div class="basic-box basic-box--light"><h2 class="small-headline">Majors Eligible for</h2><h2 class="small-headline">the Bachelor of Science:</h2><ul class="list--clean"><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5124b507-99df-4595-9104-bdb9c6a22310" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry">Biochemistry</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5954f263-77c8-4106-80db-2cb993408d8a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Biology">Biology</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8ad7fc7e-532c-4cd8-9b35-8391defc685b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Business">Business</a></li><li><a href="/biochemistry" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="755c73bb-f2ba-4bbe-bfb4-8fc57b94dd7c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Biochemistry">Chemistry</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b1e2c8e5-2a8b-4967-8a6d-f8ce5cea4476" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Computer Science">Computer Science</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="fe3d12fe-2a64-4438-b738-5fe696675b00" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Data Science">Data Science</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="30752c27-cce4-4efa-9ba3-c310d98b61a7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Economics">Economics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-science/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="66900a61-06bd-4aa7-9555-e85efa26654b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Environmental Science">Environmental Science</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/finance/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6911f8f3-bb76-4a72-a710-9869a094b462" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Financial Economics">Financial Economics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0a12379d-58d4-489b-a75d-68d46edd4214" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Geosciences">Geosciences</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cf90288b-047f-4d2f-ac3a-91691901fde1" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Global Health">Global Health</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="50eb3820-b9e6-4a08-b060-92ebf3b1a4eb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Mathematics">Mathematics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8e28996c-7931-4f76-912f-28f4ec621121" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Neuroscience">Neuroscience</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="d36e1693-1165-4e42-ac58-9f9bfb1b9a0d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Physics and Astronomy">Physics</a></li><li><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology/curriculum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2655a549-4d67-4820-a808-9a7fb471e11f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Academic Program in Psychology">Psychology</a></li></ul></div></aside><p>“This is an important evolution for �鶹��Ƶ,” says David Kamitsuka, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The Bachelor of Science degree reflects the strength of our existing programs and the multidisciplinary nature of scientific work today. It gives our students new ways to signal the depth of their scientific training. For example, in all of the eligible majors, undergraduates routinely co-author with their faculty mentors in scholarly peer-reviewed scientific journals.”</p><p>Kamitsuka noted that several programs outside traditional STEM areas—such as economics, business, and psychology—also qualify for the BS. “That reflects how today’s problems are solved,” he says. “Understanding markets, managing complex organizations, and studying human behavior all require the same analytical and evidence-based thinking we teach in the natural sciences. The BS degree captures that spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry grounded in the liberal arts tradition that is at the heart of an �鶹��Ƶ education.</p><p>The new degree will also broaden �鶹��Ƶ’s appeal to prospective students. Across U.S. higher education, more than half of all international students pursue <a href="/arts-and-sciences/sciences-at-oberlin" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6b83b150-0f8e-435b-9594-08382bdb4e2f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Sciences at �鶹��Ƶ">degrees in STEM or science-related fields</a>—a trend that makes �鶹��Ƶ’s new BS degree especially attractive to global applicants.</p><p>For people like Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Jason Belitsky, the degree represents a way to better acknowledge the work many students already do.</p><p>“Our students in chemistry, physics, biology, and related disciplines already engage in extensive lab work, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving that meet the expectations of a Bachelor of Science education,” Belitsky says. “This new degree formally recognizes that rigor and affirms the quality and breadth of scientific preparation our students bring to graduate study and professional work.”</p><p>Belitsky emphasizes that the BS option doesn’t change �鶹��Ƶ’s approach to teaching—it enhances it. “What’s exciting is that students will be able to show both sides of their education: deep technical and analytical expertise, and the creativity and communication skills that come from a liberal arts environment.”</p><p>The degree was endorsed by the college’s Educational Plans and Policies Committee earlier this year and approved by the College Faculty. The Bachelor of Science will be available to students beginning in fall 2026.</p><hr><h3>How to Qualify for the BS Degree</h3><p><em>To earn a Bachelor of Science at �鶹��Ƶ, students must:</em></p><ol><li>Declare at least one major from the list of BS-eligible programs.</li><li>Notify the Office of the Registrar of their intention to convert their Bachelor of Arts degree to a Bachelor of Science.</li><li>Complete at least 16 full courses designated as Natural Science and Mathematics.</li></ol><p><em>Students who meet the criteria may choose to graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science—but not both.</em></p><hr></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The new degree option expands academic pathways in the sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-16T12:00:00Z">Thu, 10/16/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>�鶹��Ƶ will begin offering a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/bachelor-of-science" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="122754f5-47f5-4c43-a02d-0fce89dcb008" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Bachelor of Science (BS) at �鶹��Ƶ">Bachelor of Science</a> degree option to students in the<a href="/arts-and-sciences" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c6983a98-0d9e-4cc8-b7f9-ba6f11fa4cbb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="College of Arts and Sciences"> College of Arts and Sciences</a>, expanding pathways in the natural sciences, social sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. Students may elect to pursue the BS program beginning in fall 2026.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4112">New Programs</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25246">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=187731">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25321">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=415031">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=468171">Financial Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4861">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25411">Physics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business" hreflang="und">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/data-science" hreflang="und">Data Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-science" hreflang="und">Environmental Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/finance" hreflang="und">Financial Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" hreflang="und">Global Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/neuroscience" hreflang="und">Neuroscience</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy" hreflang="und">Physics and Astronomy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Mike Crupi</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>In the Path of Disaster</h1> <p>tapplega — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:01:31 +0000</p> <span>In the Path of Disaster</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-08-28T16:01:31-04:00" title="Monday, August 28, 2023 - 16:01">Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>“My goals have always been to find how to pursue public service through science,” says Monica Dix ’20, whose �鶹��Ƶ majors in <a href="/node/3361">geology</a> and <a href="/node/3391">politics</a> set the stage for exactly such a career path.</p> <p>Dix’s journey has been marked by a keen interest in the intersections of natural disasters, governance, and societal resilience. Her quest to understand these complex dynamics led her to the doors of the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, where she’s been putting her degree to use on environmental enforcement issues under the Safe Drinking Water Act.</p> <p>Now she’s on the verge of being transported from her midwestern home to the verdant landscapes of New Zealand, a nation prone to natural disasters in part because of its position between two tectonic plates. In early 2024, she’ll begin studies related to New Zealand’s disaster preparedness at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch with support from a <a href="https://us.fulbrightonline.org/">Fulbright Study and Research Award</a>.</p> <p>We caught up with Dix to learn more about her work at the EPA and her upcoming journey.</p> <p><strong>What inspired you to apply for the Fulbright?</strong></p> <p>In wanting to pursue a degree in disaster risk and resilience, I found that a lot of U.S. programs approached the field through single disciplines that focus on security frameworks that prioritize the needs of those who hold power and resources over community needs. After receiving the <a href="/node/167421">Truman Scholarship in 2019</a> and <a href="/node/252671">Nexial Prize in 2020</a>, I knew I had the resources to support going abroad to study in an environment that was more interdisciplinary and focused on participatory governance and transforming communities and institutions in positive ways to prepare for and respond to disaster. </p> <p>Aotearoa [the Māori term for New Zealand] sits at the intersection of nearly every possible natural hazard and therefore has sophisticated disaster resilience strategies, while also politically valuing indigenous representation and community participation in governance in ways that are incredibly exciting to research.</p> <p>Researching the way Aotearoa navigates creating substantial new water regulations will give me a banquet of new ideas to bring to my current professional role and long-term goal of resilient water quality and quantity for Midwestern communities.</p> <p><strong>How did you land with the EPA?</strong></p> <p>After graduating from �鶹��Ƶ, I received funding through the Truman Foundation’s Summer Institute Program to work with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Natural Hazards Mission Area on some of their national and international work related to disaster resilience, data, and mapping. I transitioned in August 2020 to my current role at the EPA. It’s a combination of field work investigations, oversight, and collaboration with our legal team to pursue cases under environmental laws, incorporating administration initiatives related to climate change adaptation and environmental justice. It means so much to me to work on these issues in a region that I care so deeply about, and I love traveling to communities all over the Great Lakes and taking time to appreciate our unique history—including bizarre roadside stops courtesy of Atlas Obscura and Roadside America!</p> <p>I’m also grateful to be an active member of my union at EPA, working to lobby for federal workers and environmental issues, and I also serve as the current chair on the Geological Society of America’s Geology and Public Policy Committee, developing policy position statements on key geological issues. </p> <p><strong>How did �鶹��Ƶ help shape your career path?</strong></p> <p>I’m so grateful to many mentors in both the geology and politics department and beyond, but especially [geology professor] <a href="/node/5781">Amanda Schmidt</a> for her support as a long-term research and academic mentor and Fulbright recipient herself. I’m grateful for the way that members of the �鶹��Ƶ community so unquestioningly supported my desire to pursue interdisciplinary work, and I have always been able to rely on them for support, advice, and letters of recommendation, even after graduating. </p> <p>In many ways, I think that taking a politics seminar titled Action in the Anthropocene during my second year was a major catalyst carving a path for understanding the way that politics and geology come together in contemplating disaster and climate resilience. I’m also really grateful for the kindness of folks in the <a href="/node/4526">Fellowships and Awards office</a> for helping me decide what scholarships best supported my graduate school ambitions and all their patience is guiding me and so many other students through application processes.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Monica Dix travels to a hub of natural calamity to probe its risks and resilience.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-08-28T12:00:00Z">Mon, 08/28/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After �鶹��Ƶ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3831">Fulbright</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2368">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/amanda-schmidt" hreflang="und">Amanda Schmidt</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/global-health" hreflang="und">Global Health</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Monica Dix</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32101" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-large> <p>I have �鶹��Ƶ to thank for immersing me in a community culture where I built the initiative to try new things, organize workshops, and bring people together. That skill set has helped me so much in post-grad life.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27775" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p><strong>What sparked your passion for cultural exchange?</strong></p> <p>Since leaving �鶹��Ƶ, one of the ways I’ve continued to learn outside my professional work is through folk school education, even taking some of these skills and experiences back to my local community through workshops I organized with neighbors in Chicago. I’m really excited to transpose my experiences with midwestern folk schools into a new community and always enjoy seeing the way that the community-building practices reflect back on the holistic goals of my research. I absolutely have �鶹��Ƶ to thank for immersing me in a community culture where I built the initiative to try new things, organize workshops, and bring people together—I’m sure I’m not the only Obie who has found themselves in more organizations than they could count on one hand! But the flipside is that skill set has helped me so much in post-grad life.</p> <p><strong>What are you looking forward to most in your Fulbright experience?</strong></p> <p>One of the things I miss most about �鶹��Ƶ is the opportunity to continually learn and indulge my curiosity. I’m excited to have an entire year set aside to dig into the many questions that witnessing the state of disaster resilience and water regulations have raised for me, especially with the healthy work-life balance that Kiwis are known for.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Winter Term: The Auto Drink Dispenser</h1> <p>ygay — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 16:10:52 +0000</p> <span>Winter Term: The Auto Drink Dispenser</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-09-08T12:10:52-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - 12:10">Tue, 09/08/2020 - 12:10</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>It wasn’t until COVID-19 forced everyone inside that he was able to learn everything necessary about his endeavor and �鶹��Ƶ’s Winter Term in August gave him the motivation to do it.</p> <p>‘‘The original design was just done sitting at a computer with a keyboard and typing all of the inputs. Basically, I imagined a Coke freestyle machine needing to be wiped down after every time a customer used it,’’ explains Heffer. ‘‘But with COVID-19 there was a potential need to adapt the system so it would be better.’’</p> <p>The reincarnation of the auto drink dispenser he coded for his project was partly based on a freestyle beverage machine and a replicator from Star Trek, he says. By having the system lead to a bunch of gravity-fed bottles, he could make it seem as if the liquid was appearing out of nowhere. </p> <p class="obj-center"></p> <p>To achieve his design, Heffer decided to switch from Python coding to an Arduino language (a subset of C++ programming) because it has a better interface and a physical device that he could do preliminary testing with rather than just doing a pure coding project, he says.</p> <p>‘‘I also used the Arduino Uno, which is a minicomputer that I can very easily control compared to other interfaces,’’ says Heffer. ‘‘Since the system would have to then have a motion sensor and a mic, I thought it would be better to stick with just that. The system could be adapted to have something similar to an Xbox Kinect rather than a voice system, but I don't have the programming knowledge right now to undertake that mountain.’’</p> <p>A geology major, Heffer returned to campus in August. Although programming is not related to his major, he is thankful for the working knowledge he gained with Python. “Given that programming is seeping through every field and turning us all into programmers, I think it is a necessity in the modern job market as a skill,” he says.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-09-08T12:00:00Z">Tue, 09/08/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Creating an auto drink dispenser is something Thomas Heffer ’21 had toyed with for quite some time. However, his busy schedule wouldn’t allow him to actively pursue it. It wasn’t until COVID-19 forced everyone inside that he was able to learn everything necessary about his endeavor and �鶹��Ƶ’s August Winter Term gave him the motivation to do it.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25321">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/computer-science" hreflang="und">Computer Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Thomas Heffer ’21 on the porch of Wilder Hall.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Monica Dix Receives 2020 Nexial Prize</h1> <p>hhempste — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:29:04 +0000</p> <span>Monica Dix Receives 2020 Nexial Prize</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-06-09T11:29:04-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 9, 2020 - 11:29">Tue, 06/09/2020 - 11:29</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Monica Dix ’20, a geology and politics double major from Shorewood, Wisconsin, has been awarded the 2020 Nexial Prize.</p> <p>Dix’s passion for both earth science and policy sparked her interest in the Nexial Prize, which emphasizes the value of a broad-based liberal arts education. “To me, advocating for earth science issues and environmental issues in public spaces is critical to make decisions that are founded in science,” Dix says. “Often scientists are doing the work and getting the data needed to direct management, but I want to continue developing my skills as someone who can operate between communities, science, and policies.”</p> <p>Now in its fourth year, the Nexial Prize was created by an alumnus to recognize the contribution �鶹��Ƶ’s liberal arts education made to his successful career as a scientist and manager, as well as his growth intellectually and culturally. </p> <p>The 2020 graduate will use the Nexial Prize to fund her studies, in which she plans to explore the relationship between policy and waterways, particularly river systems. “When I studied abroad in New Zealand, I learned about geohazards, a subfield of geology that explores the relationship between disaster science, management, and mitigation,” explains Dix.</p> <p>“I'm hoping to use this financial support to either enroll in a master’s program that focuses on disaster risk and resilience, or spend time learning about international best practices in disaster mitigation. I'm very motivated by the series of catastrophic floods in my home region of the Midwest, and want to use a variety of skills to integrate scientific and political solutions.”</p> <p>Dix explains that her liberal arts education allowed her to understand that she could be passionate about fields that are not traditionally linked. “I especially found myself in former Visiting Assistant Professor Chase Hobbs-Morgan's seminar, Action in the Anthropocene, which generated amazing discussions between the most interdisciplinary topic and group of people I could imagine. It made me realize that combining political theory to act on earth science issues was exactly where I saw myself in the future. I also want to deeply acknowledge my dedicated advisors, Professor of Politics <a href="/eve-sandberg">Eve Sandberg</a> and Associate Professor of Geology <a href="/amanda-schmidt">Amanda Schmidt</a>, who tirelessly encouraged me to pursue opportunities in fields outside their own because they understood my interests. It was truly wonderful mentoring.”</p> <p>During her time at �鶹��Ƶ, Dix was involved both at the college and in the community. She was president of Friendship Circle and co-chair of the �鶹��Ƶ College Democrats, a <a href="/career/set/soar">Sophomore Opportunities & Academic Resources</a> (SOAR) leader for geology, a <a href="/dean-of-students/pal">Peer Advising Leader</a> (PAL) for three years, a geology major representative, a senior fellow for the <a href="/admissions-and-aid/arts-and-sciences">Office of Admissions</a>, and a writer for the <a href="http://www.synapsemagazine.org/"><em>Synapse</em></a>.</p> <p>Dix also served the city of �鶹��Ƶ as a <a href="https://www.cityofoberlin.com/for-residents/new-resident-guide/boards-and-commissions/">commissioner</a> for both the Recreation Commission and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Commission. “One of my favorite experiences as a student was serving in the local government,” says Dix. “It reminded me of the importance of local government and also student representation in �鶹��Ƶ's decision-making spaces.”</p> <p>Until Dix is able to pursue her studies abroad, she will work as an inspector and enforcement officer in the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-5">Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 5</a> water enforcement division. She says she’s particularly excited to be working with a division that has a mandate to protect the health of people and waterways across the Great Lakes region. She’s also looking forward to being on the team that pilots safe drinking water inspections in the wake of environmental justice crises in cities such as Flint, Michigan. </p> <p>“I would like to emphasize my appreciation for all the encouraging professors and classmates who embrace interdisciplinary environments at �鶹��Ƶ and continue to push the envelope in developing ways to change the world,” says Dix. “I am so enormously grateful for the support of academic and professional staff, especially Director of Fellowships and Awards <a href="/nick-petzak">Nick Petzak</a> for his dedication to helping me articulate my goals.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-06-09T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/09/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Geology and politics double major Monica Dix ’20.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kate Pippenger</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Amelia Lewis Awarded Fulbright-MITACS Globalink</h1> <p>hhempste — Tue, 05 May 2020 14:25:10 +0000</p> <span>Amelia Lewis Awarded Fulbright-MITACS Globalink</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-05-05T10:25:10-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - 10:25">Tue, 05/05/2020 - 10:25</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Amelia Lewis, a geology and environmental studies major from New Haven, Connecticut, has been awarded a <a href="https://www.fulbright.ca/programs/undergraduate-students/fulbright-canada-mitacs-globalink-program">Fulbright-MITACS Globalink</a> <span class="fa fa-external-link" aria-hidden="true"></span> in Canada.</p> <p>The Fulbright-MITACS Globalink is intended for students from the United States who are interested in undertaking advanced research projects in Canada for 10 to 12 weeks during the summer.</p> <p>Through the Fulbright award, Lewis says she was “planning to study how planting trees and mixing organic additives into soil affects emission of greenhouse gases from agricultural activities and carbon cycling.” However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the internship abroad was canceled for health and safety concerns.</p> <p>“While it is deeply disappointing to not be able to complete the internship due to COVID-19, being awarded a Fulbright is a recognition of my ability to be a scientist, complete independent research, and be helpful to important projects,” says Lewis.</p> <p>At �鶹��Ƶ, Lewis works in Associate Professor of Geology <a href="/amanda-schmidt">Amanda Schmidt's</a> lab on geomorphology topics. Most recently, she has been involved in a project studying the landscape impact of Hurricane Maria on the island of Dominica. Outside of academics, Lewis is a tour guide for the <a href="/admissions-and-aid/arts-and-sciences/contact-us">Office of Admissions</a> and is involved in the �鶹��Ƶ Student Cooperative Association (OSCA). She also has participated in the Barefoot Dialogue program, which offers students the opportunity to regularly meet and engage in vulnerable conversation.</p> <p>While Lewis says she’s still considering her ultimate career path, she hopes to pursue research in some capacity. “While I am not entirely sure what I want to do long term, I am beginning applications to conduct research after graduation.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-05-05T12:00:00Z">Tue, 05/05/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/amanda-schmidt" hreflang="und">Amanda Schmidt</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Ameila Lewis ’21</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Chris Schmucki ’22</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Educator in Death Valley National Park: Marcus Hill ’19</h1> <p>anagy — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 19:40:26 +0000</p> <span>Educator in Death Valley National Park: Marcus Hill ’19</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-02-21T14:40:26-05:00" title="Friday, February 21, 2020 - 14:40">Fri, 02/21/2020 - 14:40</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The summer before his first year in �鶹��Ƶ, Hill was part of �鶹��Ƶ’s first Science and Technology Research Opportunities for the Next Generation (STRONG) cohort as a STRONG scholar, an undergraduate research program for STEM. Now, he's interning in the Geoscientists-in-Parks program as an education teacher in Death Valley National Park, where he runs educational programs about geology and the environment for children.</p> <p><strong>What do you do in your current role at the Geoscientists-in-Parks program?</strong></p> <p>I am working alongside Erikka Olson, a recent grad from Williams College in Massachusetts, and a few other seasoned park rangers to run education programs for local elementary schools. We have programming for school visits where we go to the classroom, and field trips where the classes come to us. Our activities all revolve around making the geology and environment of the park fun and accessible. We have several programs that go to many different prominent areas of the park where we show students how features like the sand dunes, salt beds, and slot canyons came to be. When we don’t have classes in the park, I will often work in the visitor center and hold activities for the families passing through there. </p> <p><strong>How has your experience at Death Valley National Park been so far?</strong></p> <p>It’s been a blast! On the weekends I get to explore the park and often will have the opportunity to go on employee-only hikes and trips, which is amazing. Most of the jobs in the National Park Service are just seasonal or temporary, so I’m still searching. But that is something that �鶹��Ƶ definitely gave me the confidence to do: feeling comfortable enough to keep exploring new opportunities as they show up.</p> <p>In terms of what I’m looking to do next, honestly I’d love to have a job just like this—only for longer than five months! I was surprised to find out that there are very few geologists on staff here at the park, so almost everyone I talk to—from students to parents to even coworkers—is excited to learn about the rocks from someone who spent several years learning about rocks. I leave work with a big smile on my face most days.</p> <p><strong>Did any faculty or staff at �鶹��Ƶ particularly enhance your college experience?</strong></p> <p>When I applied for STRONG, former program director Afia Ofori-Mensa was able to find a space for me with Associate Professor <a href="/amanda-schmidt">Amanda Schmidt</a>. The very first professor I met on campus ended up being my advisor and one of the most important people in my �鶹��Ƶ career. </p> <p>Afia (who is at Princeton now) and Amanda undoubtedly shaped my �鶹��Ƶ career and future trajectory in ways that I still can’t thank them both enough for. Amanda, and her family, became my second family. She was not only one of my biggest ambassadors and advocates on campus, but also invited my other lab mates and me to home-cooked dinners and game nights with her and her family often. Her door was always open for any issues that I had.</p> <p>I also had connections to staff and faculty within the Career Development Center, such as Dana Hamdan and Sylvia Rios, and some French and religion professors. All of these people were so kind and fun, and I would consider them all friends. Because they all span so many subjects, each had a different influence, but they were all important in helping me get to where I am now. </p> <p>My biggest piece of advice on making meaningful relationships with faculty and professors is to do just that: make the relationships meaningful. It’s easy to just see them as professors and advisors, people who have authority on a certain subject and that’s it. But that’s so limiting! I can’t stress enough how important it is, especially within your major, to have one faculty member who you can connect with and have conversations about interests and passions. They will absolutely have connections and insights that will be invaluable for any student moving forward.</p> <p><strong>What extracurricular activities or student jobs at �鶹��Ƶ gave you professional experience?</strong></p> <p>As a geology student representative, I worked alongside the geology department faculty to help hire new professors, work out class schedules, and coordinate events in the department. I really loved this position because it allowed me to build connections with the faculty in a way that I wouldn't have otherwise. I got to interact with geology majors in different years regularly too, so that was exciting. Being on that side of the hiring process was also very useful for seeing how to put together application materials for jobs.</p> <p>Also, the <a href="/career">Career Development Center</a> is absolutely invaluable. I cannot recommend going to this resource enough. You can pick up useful information from here at any time in your �鶹��Ƶ college career, first year to senior year. If you need advice applying for anything, go here. Even if you feel like your materials are perfect, just having another set of eyes can only help. The tips and advice I learned from the Career Development Center are still things I share here at my new job, even after �鶹��Ƶ.</p> <p>STRONG was absolutely the catalyst to my success at �鶹��Ƶ. Without it, I would not have achieved half of what I did. I say that confidently because it gave me an immediate connection to a faculty advisor and a group of friends all in the same boat as me. �鶹��Ƶ is a small place, but it is still very easy to feel overwhelmed in the blink of an eye. Having a cohort community kept me from feeling that isolation. I immediately had a group of friends I could talk and hang out with.</p> <p><strong>What experiences, opportunities, and classes did you take that were unique to �鶹��Ƶ?</strong></p> <p>All my winter terms! I went to China for my first winter term, Arkansas for my second, and an island called Dominica for my third. All of these were for geology research projects. I got to go to really exciting places and then go on to research and present these trips. All of these trips were funded through the Office of Winter Term. Low-cost international travel is a possibility. Make the most of your winter term opportunities because they can be so much fun!</p> <p>During my last semester at �鶹��Ƶ, I was abroad in London through the <a href="/oberlin-in-london">�鶹��Ƶ in London program</a>. That was such an amazing experience. I got to take some of my favorite classes and explore one of the coolest cities in the world all in one semester, and complete my major with the geology and anthropology departments that went!</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-02-21T12:00:00Z">Fri, 02/21/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jaimie Yue '22</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Marcus Hill ’19 was a geology major and promoted the major as a geology student representative. Today he works alongside seasoned park rangers helping to run education programs for elementary school students.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After �鶹��Ƶ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2389">Young Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2368">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2367">Science & Math</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/amanda-schmidt" hreflang="und">Amanda Schmidt</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Marcus Hill is interning with the Geoscientists-in-Parks program at Death Valley National Park.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Marcus Hill</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>PERSIST: Intro to Research Project Helps Students Envision Themselves as Scientists</h1> <p>anagy — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 21:04:17 +0000</p> <span>PERSIST: Intro to Research Project Helps Students Envision Themselves as Scientists</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-01-30T16:04:17-05:00" title="Thursday, January 30, 2020 - 16:04">Thu, 01/30/2020 - 16:04</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A new mentoring program for underrepresented students in the sciences offered a Winter Term course that informed students about undergraduate research opportunities both at �鶹��Ƶ and off campus and prepared them for what to expect once they begin working in a research lab.</p> <p>Led by Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry <a href="/lisa-ryno">Lisa Ryno</a>, the PERSIST: Intro to Research Winter Term group learned how to read primary literature, use scientific search engines, and communicate and present scientific ideas. The overarching goal was to catalyze students’ research experiences and give them the tools they need to find a laboratory in which they can contribute. </p> <p>Each week, �鶹��Ƶ faculty in STEM demonstrated interesting lab techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy with Associate Professor of Geology <a href="/zeb-page">Zeb Page</a>, meta-learning at the Allen Memorial Museum of Art with Associate Professor of Biology <a href="/taylor-allen">Taylor Allen</a>, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry <a href="/will-parsons">Will Parsons</a>. Topics covered include lab safety, searching databases for literature and review articles, building a resume and personal statement, how and when to apply for summer research fellowships, best practices in making figures, and how to give a successful oral presentation.</p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Dale Preston ’83</figcaption> </figure> <p>The course required students to choose a STEM topic to research in depth, construct an annotated bibliography, and give an oral PowerPoint presentation on their findings.</p> <p>PERSIST, or PeERS in STem, supports underrepresented students through mentoring and networking, providing a welcoming and inclusive community, and helping students build confidence in science courses and combat impostor syndrome. PERSIST is the focus of the educational component of Ryno's <a href="https://rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars">Cottrell Scholar Award</a> from Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement.</p> <p>“One of the primary goals of the PERSIST program is to help students build their science identity—the internal conceptualization of who a person believes themselves to be with regards to their interest and involvement with science,” Ryno says. “Through the lab experiences this winter term, students have had one-on-one interactions with six different faculty members from several STEM disciplines, using some of the most sophisticated instrumentation we have on campus. The purpose of this is two-fold. First, students see that faculty are just regular people who are incredibly excited about their area of study, and second, it demonstrates that students routinely use and interact with delicate, amazing instruments, and they collect meaningful scientific data. I hope that students leave the program, thinking, ‘I can be a scientist.’”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-01-24T12:00:00Z">Fri, 01/24/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25246">Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25306">Chemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/lisa-ryno" hreflang="und">Lisa Ryno</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/chemistry-biochemistry" hreflang="und">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Assistant Professor Lisa Ryno, right, leads the PERSIST: Intro to Research Winter Term program.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dale Preston '83</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Lisa Ryno</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry</li> <li class="professional-title">Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/lisa-ryno">View Lisa Ryno’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>A Conversation with Rachel Eveleth, Assistant Professor of Geology</h1> <p>anagy — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 18:58:39 +0000</p> <span>A Conversation with Rachel Eveleth, Assistant Professor of Geology</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2019-06-19T14:58:39-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 19, 2019 - 14:58">Wed, 06/19/2019 - 14:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>When did you begin teaching at �鶹��Ƶ?</strong></p> <p>Fall 2018</p> <p><strong>What are your current research interests?</strong></p> <p>I’m interested in interactions between climate and large bodies of water—for example, how efficiently do phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean take carbon out of the atmosphere, how does oxygen vary in Lake Erie now, and how might that change in a warmer world. I use observational data, models, and satellite data to help answer these questions. I think a lot about the role of ice in controlling biogeochemical processes, and I’m excited to start winter work on the Great Lakes next winter term! Going forward I plan to keep one foot in the ocean and the other in the Great Lakes. </p> <p><strong>In Fall 2018, you taught a course called Great Lakes Limnology. Could you give a general overview of what this course was all about?</strong></p> <p>I had so much fun teaching that course! We researched the geologic history of the Great Lakes region and explored the story preserved in local field sites. We then dove into the primary literature to think about how the rocks and landscape influence the physical, chemical, and biological systems in the Great Lakes and how humans are impacting those systems. Students developed and carried out small group research projects using publicly available data and computer programming language Python to investigate open questions on the lakes. One highlight was a field trip out to Stone Lab on South Bass Island, where students got to take measurements on an afternoon research cruise in Lake Erie. There were primarily geology majors and minors in the course.</p> <p><strong>What other courses do you teach?</strong></p> <p>I also teach Earth’s Environments (Geology 120) every year, which covers the whole earth system from plate tectonics to climate change. I will be teaching Oceanography in Spring 2020 and am excited to incorporate investigations of real-world data.</p> <p><strong>What inspired you to pursue geology (or the sciences in general)?</strong></p> <p>I grew up in western Michigan and loved watching storms roll in over the lake. I was interested in meteorology and climate, but I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with that. I applied to many colleges that specialized in meteorology but ended up falling in love with the liberal arts environment. I went to undergrad at Bowdoin College and quickly found the Earth and Oceanographic Science (then Geology) department, where I got to explore the coast of Maine in lab courses and learn how the whole earth system is interconnected. Before college, I had no idea that I could study climate by studying rocks and the ocean. I did hard rock geology research as an undergrad. I went into oceanography because it felt more dynamic to me on shorter time and space scales while also being interconnected across the whole planet. It has been so fun to reconnect with my geology roots at �鶹��Ƶ, and I hope to bring a broader earth system perspective to the department and the courses I teach. I find geoscience really exciting because it is a direct application of all the other sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) to solve pressing environmental problems.</p> <p><strong>What are some interesting developments in your field that most people aren’t aware of?</strong></p> <p>We are learning more and more about ecosystem changes, human influences, and climate interactions with water bodies every day. Science really is incremental, and the oceans in particular are under explored. The way we do our science is changing as we move to more autonomous platforms like buoys (stationary monitoring over a long time), underwater drones (loaded with sensors and driven around to take measurements), and floats (move with currents making measurements as they go). Oceanographers are becoming big data scientists looking from microscopic to global scales, which is a very exciting time for students coming up in the field.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2019-06-19T12:00:00Z">Wed, 06/19/2019 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Assistant Professor of Geology Rachel Eveleth on keeping one foot in the ocean and the other in the Great Lakes.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2414">Faculty</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2367">Science & Math</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/rachel-eveleth" hreflang="und">Rachel Eveleth</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Rachel Eveleth, assistant professor of geology.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Amanda Schmidt Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award</h1> <p>hhempste — Tue, 28 May 2019 16:08:33 +0000</p> <span>Amanda Schmidt Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2019-05-28T12:08:33-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 28, 2019 - 12:08">Tue, 05/28/2019 - 12:08</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Associate Professor of Geology <a href="/amanda-schmidt">Amanda Schmidt</a> has received a <a href="https://www.cies.org/program/fulbright-us-scholar-program">Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program</a> award to conduct research in Sichuan, China.</p> <p>The U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program offers nearly 470 teaching and research awards in more than 125 countries. Opportunities are available for a range of professionals, including college and university faculty and administrators, as well as artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, independent scholars, and others.</p> <p>Schmidt applied for the Fulbright in order to pursue a new research project that stemmed from a previous project she was working on in Southwestern Sichuan. She will undertake the research during her sabbatical in the ’19-20 academic year.</p> <p>“When I was thinking about what to do for my sabbatical, I knew I wanted to spend the year with my family in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, and this interdisciplinary project, the Fulbright funding opportunity, and my sabbatical plans all lined up nicely,” says Schmidt.</p> <p>The research Schmidt will conduct is an outgrowth of a previous project that focused on determining how long-term indigenous land use practices and modern communist policies interacted to create the landscape and erosional patterns seen today in a small watershed in Southwest Sichuan Province.</p> <p>Schmidt explains: “We mapped a grey clay in the valley, which is an environment that we wouldn't expect to find clay deposits. Grey clay deposits typically signify a lake or very marshy environment, but to have a marshy environment in this location, you need to have a pretty big lake. The preliminary dates we have for the clay overlap with archaeological sites that would have been underwater if the lake existed at that time.</p> <p>‘‘The goal of my Fulbright-supported project is to understand if the lake existed, and, if so, how big it was and when it was there. Doing this will also require determining when and how it drained and what mechanism dammed it. The data will contribute to archaeology, geography, and geology of the region.”</p> <p>Schmidt says she is most looking forward to being in China for an extended period of time, which will allow her to deepen relationships with collaborators she has worked with for many years.</p> <p>“I normally am in and out of China fairly quickly when doing field work, so being there for an entire year gives me a chance to give back a little bit in addition to furthering my research,” says Schmidt. “I hope to run a writing seminar with my collaborators' graduate students as part of the process of mutual exchange that Fulbright values so much.”</p> <p>Once she returns from China, Schmidt plans to analyze the data she will have collected in the field and also write about the findings. </p> <p>“Although I'll be sad to be away from �鶹��Ƶ for the year, this is a really exciting opportunity for my research. My kids and husband are also excited to embark on this new adventure of living overseas.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2019-05-26T12:00:00Z">Sun, 05/26/2019 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2414">Faculty</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/amanda-schmidt" hreflang="und">Amanda Schmidt</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Associate Professor of Geology Amanda Schmidt</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jennifer Manna</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Monica Dix ’20 Awarded Truman Scholarship</h1> <p>hhempste — Wed, 22 May 2019 14:28:53 +0000</p> <span>Monica Dix ’20 Awarded Truman Scholarship</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2019-05-22T10:28:53-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2019 - 10:28">Wed, 05/22/2019 - 10:28</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Geology and politics double major Monica Dix ’20 has been awarded a Truman Scholarship.</p> <p>Awarded to outstanding college juniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, recipients of the highly selective scholarship receive up to $30,000 to apply toward graduate study in the United States or abroad, along with enhanced access to competitive graduate schools and access to scholar programs.</p> <p>At �鶹��Ƶ, Dix works in the geology department’s geomorphology lab, which she was introduced to through the <a href="/undergraduate-research/programs/strong">Strong Program</a>. She began working in the lab the summer before her first year at �鶹��Ƶ, and she has been involved ever since. Dix is currently studying abroad in New Zealand with the Frontiers Abroad program where she’s doing research on the Waimakariri glacial valley.</p> <p>Dix applied for the Truman Scholarship after realizing that there are few geoscientists who are elected officials. She concluded that she wanted to eventually enter politics to make an impact and create change in the scientific realm.</p> <p>“I think that with a lot of issues we’re having, such as massive flooding, or even trying to understand climate and policies on more of a long-term, less election cycle basis, geologists have a lot to offer,” says Dix. “My hope is that I can work with individuals in public policy and use their guidance to become an effective agent of change in a very holistic and intersectional way.”</p> <p>The Wisconsin native plans to use her $30,000 award to attend graduate school to study geology and build her expertise as a scientist. Dix plans to first obtain a master’s degree, followed by a PhD, in geosciences or natural resources. Her goal, particularly in the doctorate program, is to integrate her research with economics research in order to gain a holistic perspective on land and water management.</p> <p>“Having the support of those connections that the Truman Foundation provides is really crucial to ensure I make a big impact in my career in public service,” says Dix. </p> <p>While at �鶹��Ƶ, Dix has served as president of the College Democrats, been involved with the �鶹��Ƶ Student Cooperative Association (OSCA), served as a <a href="/dean-of-students/pal">Peer Advising Leader</a> (PAL), wrote for the <a href="http://www.synapsemagazine.org/"><em>Synapse</em></a>, participated in Model United Nations, and worked for the Office of Admissions.</p> <p>Dix hopes to eventually pursue a career in public office where she will focus on land and water management in the Great Lakes region.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2019-05-22T12:00:00Z">Wed, 05/22/2019 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25366">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/geosciences" hreflang="und">Geosciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Monica Dix ’20.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kate Pippenger</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>