EES NEWSLETTER
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20, 2024
EES 5010 Geoscience Seminar - 2/23/2024 - 125 TROWBRIDGE HALL - 3:30 - 5PM
Presenter: Dr. Sarah Penniston-Dorland - Professor - Department of Geology - University of Maryland
Title: Applying crystal clocks to metamorphic rocks: Using Li isotopes in garnet to constrain fluid flow processes during subduction metamorphism
Abstract: Fluids released within subduction zones affect fundamental Earth processes, including seismicity and the generation of arc magmas, the formation of continental crust, and the geochemical evolution of the mantle. However, very little is understood about processes of fluid transport within subduction zones and the chemistry of these fluids. Bulk-rock variations in Li isotopic compositions (d7Li) are observed in fluid-related features in subduction-related metamorphic rocks at the centimeter-scale suggesting a short duration to fluid infiltration events – weeks to centuries. These measurements record a time-integrated record, while in situ measurements in metamorphic minerals can record individual events experienced by the rock. In this study, in situ traverses across garnet crystals in subduction-related eclogite and amphibolite from the Franciscan Complex, CA and the Monviso Ophiolite, Italy were analyzed for Li isotopes. Observed variations in d7Li occur within crystals over a scale of a few hundred microns, including troughs of low d7Li measurements in the mantle regions of some of the garnets from both localities. In both localities, variations in d7Li are associated with evidence for fluid-rock reaction suggesting a role for fluids fluxing through the slab. The unusual trough pattern suggests that diffusion played a role in generating these features, but the nature of diffusion differs between the two localities. Garnets from the Franciscan experienced intracrystalline diffusion of Li on the scale of a few hundred microns, whereas garnets from Monviso recorded diffusion of Li on a centimeter scale, within an intergranular fluid surrounding the garnets. Multiple troughs in some of the Monviso garnets indicate that episodicity of fluid flow events can be discerned. Variability in profiles from the Franciscan garnets suggest that some aspect of the chemistry of the fluids may be responsible for intracrystalline diffusion; likely candidates are either pH or Eh of the fluid. Ongoing work is focusing on investigating garnets from a wide range of natural samples to look for patterns in fluid flow episodicity. Additionally, experiments determining the diffusivity of Li within garnet are being performed in order to quantitatively constrain timescales of intracrystalline diffusion.
reminders:
- Degree application deadline: 2/23/24
- Late fee in effect: 2/24/24
- Plans of study - grad students due at grad college: 3/5/2024
- Early registration - summer 2024: 3/4 - 3/8/24
- Spring break: 3/10 - 3/17/24
- Early registration - fall 2024: 4/8 - 4/26/24
- Last day to drop a course - undergrad/grad: 4/15/24
- Last day to withdraw without collegiate approval - undergrad/grad: 4/15/24
- Final exam reports due - grad - 4/16/24
- Single thesis deposit (5PM CST) - 4/23/24
- Close of classes: 5/3/24
- Final exam week: 5/6 - 5/10/24
Students, Faculty, & Alumni: Distinguished Alumni Award nominations!
Since 2019 your Earth and Environmental Science Alumni Board have announced a Distinguished Alumni Awardee. A “Distinguished Alumni” is alumni with a B.S., M.S., or Ph. D. who is recognized from making significant contributions to earth and environmental sciences throughout their careers, and personified service to and passion for the discipline and community, including public outreach. All nominations are kept on file so no nominee is ever “lost” in the review and selection process. The Distinguished Alumni is announced each year at Homecoming.
Please send your nominations to Lee Phillips, EESB Chair (plphilli@uncg.edu), Brian Hartman (brianshartman@gmail.com), Chair of the Alumni Outreach Committee, which oversees this award process, and Amy Sullivan, alumni and Past EESB Chair (cajes@mindspring.com) who coordinates nominee documentation. From that point the Alumni Outreach Committee will move forward with the review and documentation process. Let’s honor our awesome alumni!
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
UNDERGRAD / ENTRY-LEVEL
Iowa Wildlife Camps is Hiring for Summer 2024!
Iowa Wildlife Camps hires undergraduate and graduate students, classroom teachers and informal educators to work at camp. Students earning a degree in any field, especially those with an interest in education, environmental studies, or any sciences, are encouraged to apply.
Iowa Wildlife Campus is hiring Camp Instructors, Camp Assistant Coordinators, and Camp Coordinators for multiple locations:
For candidates looking to stay near the Iowa City area, there are positions available to teach for 9 weeks (June 10 - Aug 9) at the University of Iowa's Field Campus, Macbride Nature Recreation Area.
For candidates looking to explore outside of the Iowa City area, there are positions available to teach at Iowa State Park Camps. Wildlife Camps will be in 6 unique State Parks for 1-week camps. Candidates can apply to work for just one week at a specific State Park Camp, or multiple weeks at various State Park Camp locations. State Park Camp staff have the opportunity to camp at the State Parks during their week of teaching or opt for their own accommodations (if they live locally, have friends/family they would like to stay with in the area...etc.).
If you know people who might be interested in these summer opportunities, please share our current job openings! Attached is a pdf flyer to share and linked below are the job descriptions:
Wildlife Camps Program Coordinator
Feel free to email Ellen Carman, Iowa Wildlife Camps Director at ellen-carman@uiowa.edu with any questions.
iowa statewide school of the wild seasonal instructor
OVERVIEW: School of the Wild is a statewide initiative to increase outdoor learning experiences for elementary and middle school students across Iowa. The University of Iowa’s College of Education in partnership with Iowa schools, county conservation boards, and many other local conservation organizations across the state work together to bring School of the Wild to students. School of the Wild strives to provide all students with a meaningful, outdoor learning experience that develops a sense of awareness and appreciation for the natural world, and in turn, leads them to act with positive stewardship for all things wild.
SEASONAL INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide daily instruction and support during School of the Wild programs at park locations across the state and at Macbride Nature Recreation Area. This includes outdoor recreation and conservation-based activities.
- Travel to provide support and provided equipment for School of the Wild locations across the state of Iowa using a university vehicle.
- Work as a team to develop lesson plans, learning experiences, and environmental programming.
- Participate in planning meetings with staff, teachers, naturalists, and other partners to communicate, plan, and schedule educational programs.
- Assist with managing the care and safety of the participating students.
- Provide excellent customer service to all School of the Wild clients and guests.
- Self-motivated, energetic, and willing to be flexible in duties and interactions with students.
- Maintain a positive attitude at all times.
- Will be hiking 3-4 miles each day and may be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Ability to be approved to drive University of Iowa vehicles
- Experience working with youth in outdoor environments
- Experience working in formal and/or informal education settings
- Knowledge of and experience educating young people (ages 10-14) with a variety of needs and abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team.
- Ability to think quickly in fast-paced situations.
- Demonstrate patience, organization, and a desire to see others succeed.
- Capable of organizing and leading activities and redirecting disruptive behavior to facilitate learning.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- College major or degree in fields related to environmental education (sciences, education, etc.).
- Willingness to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and bus driver certification.
WORK HOURS
- Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm and willingness to work longer hours when necessary to account for travel time to and from School of the Wild locations (30-40 hours per week).
- March 18 – May 24, 2024
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
- Criminal Background Check upon hire
- CPR/AED/First-Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire
- University of Iowa Minors on Campus online training
- University of Iowa Blood Pathogen training
- University of Iowa Heat Stress Prevention training
- University of Iowa First Amendment (Free Speech) training
RATE OF PAY
- Starting at $17 per hour to commensurate (depending on education and experience)
PROFESSIONAL/POST-GRAD
Closing date: Mar 16, 2024
ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, with an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,200 people! ORNL’s decadal vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation. Come join us and help solve the world's most challenging energy problems!
Purpose
The Thermal Energy Storage Research Group in the Buildings and Transportation Science Division (BTSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking qualified candidates to fill a researcher position. The work in this group supports the U.S. DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office, Building Technologies Office, and other customers.
Major Duties / Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting, coordinating, and reporting complex research assignments related to geothermal energy technologies, including (1) geothermal applications for heating and cooling, (2) subsurface thermal energy storage, (3) innovative uses of geothermal energy, especially in buildings and industrial processes, (4) thermal use of oil/gas wells, (5) geothermal resource exploration and assessment, and (6) enhanced geothermal systems. This will involve the design, fabrication, measurement, analysis, and modeling of novel geothermal energy systems and components.
The work will involve developing experimental setups, problem-solving, conducting experimental campaigns, performing geophysical and thermodynamic analysis, modeling geothermal systems, analyzing results, preparing technical documents and research publications, and developing proposals for research funding. The work will also involve interacting and collaborating with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and private industry.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Qualifications: You will have earned an M.S. or Ph.D. in hydrogeology, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or a related engineering field. A minimum of three years of previous research work experience (including industry, postdoctoral, other academic, and/or research fellowship) is highly desired, especially in the field of geothermal energy. The candidate should possess a strong background of training (or other direct experience) in geothermal energy technologies. Knowledge of how geothermal energy systems are installed and operated in the field is also desirable. The candidate should possess the necessary background and experience in (a) innovating thinking and problem-solving, (b) geophysical and thermodynamic modeling, (c) design and operation of geothermal energy systems, (d) fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer, and (e) instrumentation for measurements and process controls.
You should have the ability to lead teams of engineers and technicians to successfully design, build and evaluate advanced geothermal energy systems. Required qualifications include good communication skills (oral and written) to synthesize research results into reports, conference papers, and refereed journal articles, as well as strong interpersonal skills to support team building, partnering, and leadership. The ability to develop and/or maintain strong relationships through active participation in geothermal industry organizations and events is required. Finally, you should demonstrate a strong, proven publication/patent record. For more information, please contact Xiaobing Liu (liux2@ornl.gov).
UT-Battelle is recognized by our employees and the community as an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and individuals and teams are inspired to contribute fully to the organization's success. ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
Aerosol Measurement Specialist - Brookhaven National Laboratory - Upton, New York
Closing date: Mar 16, 2024
The Environmental & Climate Sciences Department (www.bnl.gov/envsci) at Brookhaven National Laboratory focuses on a wide range of theoretical, experimental, and field studies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's climate and energy research agendas. Work is supported by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility (www.arm.gov), an observations-based program that measures aerosols, clouds, precipitation, radiation, and atmospheric dynamics; the Atmospheric Systems Research Program; and the Environmental System Science Program. This work is pursued with the ultimate goal of improving predictability and reducing the uncertainty in global and regional climate models. The department research portfolio also includes development of environmental technologies and applications for renewable energies, urban science, and national security.
Within the department, the Aerosol Processes Group is focused on improving process-level understanding of aerosol formation and evolution mechanisms, aerosol optical properties, and the influence that aerosols have on clouds formation, lifetime, precipitation. Understanding the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of interactions along this aerosol-cloud-precipitation continuum is crucial for development of a predictive understanding of the climate system. As part of this overarching research goal, the AP group is responsible for operating the DOE ARM User Facility’s Aerosol Observing System (AOS). These observatories contain a suite of instruments that measure various properties of aerosols and related trace gases.
To assure acquisition of the highest quality AOS measurements, BNL has established the Center for Aerosol Measurement Science (CAMS) – a dedicated laboratory for data quality assurance in atmospheric aerosol measurements through traceable calibration standards.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Scientific Associate for the DOE ARM is part of the Center for Aerosol Measurement Science (CAMS) and of the ARM Aerosol Observing Systems (https://www.arm.gov/capabilities/instruments/aos). As part of CAMS, you will work with aerosol instrumentation and other related systems for their maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration in a diverse, international, and collaborative environment. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Set up instruments and related systems in CAMS and the ARM Aerosol Observing Systems (AOS)
- Perform basic instrument troubleshooting and maintenance, and basic calibration experiments
- Develop procedures for instrument calibration and maintenance and associated documentation
- Gather data from instruments and perform basic data analysis (plotting variables, calculating statistics, etc.)
- Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- BS degree in physical sciences, engineering, IT, or closely related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.
- Ability to work with sophisticated instrumentation
- Basic experience in working with electrical and electronic circuitry – identifying components, measuring voltages, soldering
- Experience in basic computer programming in any modern language (examples include, but are not limited to: Python, Visual Basic, C/C++, Java)
- Ability to work well in a diverse team across cultures, language skills and experiences
- Working knowledge of Windows and/or Unix operating systems
- Familiarity with aerosol instrumentation and related systems – installation, operations, and basic maintenance
- Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Related graduate degree
- Familiarity with ARM operations and systems
- Understanding of scientific and engineering software such as Igor Pro, Matlab, LabView
Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78750 - $89333 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:
- Ability to work in tight spaces
- Routinely lift more than 30 pounds
OTHER INFORMATION:
- This is a fully onsite position located at BNL – Upton, NY
- Ability to travel (foreign and domestic) in support of instruments
INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
GRANT
Hawkeye experience grant for summer 2024
For summer 2024, undergraduates can apply for up to $4,000 in funds to support their living expenses while they participate in an experience in one of these categories (Internship at a for-profit, non-profit, or government entity; Internship via the Office of Study Abroad; Service-learning/Community Engagement; Research or Creative Scholarship; or Field Experience).
UPCOMING EVENTS
CAMPUS EVENTS
The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI) at the University of Iowa College of Law is hosting a series of events this spring semester that will explore the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act in Iowa, climate resilience and justice, international environmental enforcement, and land conservation in Iowa and the Midwest region after Sackett v. EPA.
Registration is available for each event at the links below. Each event has a virtual and in person attendance option. All events are free and open to the public.
With questions, contact the HELI team at lawmail-HELI@uiowa.edu.
Feb. 23: 12:45 - 1:45P: Rob Verchick: "The Octopus in the Parking Garage: A Call for Climate Resilience" Book Talk
- On Friday, February 23, 2024 HELI will welcome to campus author and leading climate law scholar Rob Verchick. Verchick will give a talk on his new book: The Octopus in the Parking Garage: A Call for Climate Resilience which was recently awarded Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2023. The talk will explore what climate resilience has looked like throughout history, and what society can do to adapt and thrive, while emphasizing why climate resilience is a necessary step towards climate justice.
- Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance. Registration for this event is open here
March 18: 12:45 - 1:45PM: International Perspectives on Environmental Enforcement: Plastics, Climate, Monitoring Technologies, Environmental Justice and More
- On Monday, March 18, 2024 join HELI in welcoming LeRoy Paddock (77JD) to campus to reflect on the work occurring at the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, in preparation for the International Summit on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement in Queensland, Australia in November 2024. Lee will focus on plastics, climate, monitoring, and environmental justice.
- Food and beverages will be available for those who register in advance. Registration for this event is open here
- In April 2024, HELI will convene partners from the national, regional, and local scales for a series of panels discussing land conservation in Iowa and the Midwest region after Sackett v. EPA. The exact date is TBA, but will be announced soon.
- Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance. Registration for this event is open here
POMERANTZ CAREER CENTER EVENTS
All Majors (in-person) Career Fair – February 21
- The big Career Fair is just around the corner. Our Career Peer advisors are in the Career Center for drop-in appointments to help students review their resumes or help them answer any Career Fair related questions on Monday – Thursday from 10am – 3pm.
- Students can also make in-person or virtual appointments in MyUI.
- See attached flyer for Career Fair info or visit: https://careers.uiowa.edu/all-majors-career-fair
Hawkeye Experience Grant
- For summer 2024, undergraduates can apply for up to $4,000 in funds to support their living expenses while they participate in an experience in one of these categories (Internship at a for-profit, non-profit, or government entity; Internship via the Office of Study Abroad; Service-learning/Community Engagement; Research or Creative Scholarship; or Field Experience).
- For information about this summer grant, check out this online information session or join us in person on Friday, February 16 from 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in PC C330 for an information session and Q&A.
Career Connectors Courses are Open for Registration!
- See attached flyer and learn all about how you can become a “Career Connector”!
Other Career Fairs:
Statewide K-12 Educator Career Fair: Wednesday, February 28, 3 – 5 p.m.
Virtual All Majors Career Fair: Thursday, February 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
https://careers.uiowa.edu/career-fairs
WORKSHOPS
4TH ANNUAL RESILIENT SUPPLY OF CRITICAL MINERALS WORKSHOP - AUGUST 7 - 8, 2024, MISSOURI S&T
Missouri S&T is excited to host the fourth annual workshop on “Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals.” The workshop series brings together interdisciplinary stakeholders from academia, industry, and government. Our goal is to provide a long-term collaborative platform to help implement action and disseminate research on critical minerals.
Registration opens April 2024
2024 Topical Sessions including:
- The Critical Mineral Potential of the US: Evaluation of existing and exploration for new resources
- Critical Minerals Workforce Development: How to grow the US critical minerals workforce
- Mineral Processing & Recycling: Maximizing critical mineral recovery from existing production streams
- Policy & Supply Chain Economics: Reshoring critical mineral production
Workshop sponsor: National Science Foundation
WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING IN THE WEEKLY EES NEWSLETTER?
The EES Department newsletter is published every Tuesday during the academic year, outside of semester breaks. If you would like to add an event, club meeting, or other item of interest, please submit an email to clas-ees@uiowa.edu, with the subject heading "Newsletter Item," on Fridays by noon, and your submission will be added to the following Tuesday's newsletter.