EES NEWSLETTER
WEEK OF OCTOBER 24, 2023
EES 5010 Geoscience Seminar – 10/27/2023 – 3:30 – 5PM, 125 Trowbridge Hall
Speaker: Dr. Nathan Young, SUNY - Syracuse, Dept of Sustainable Resource Management - Asst. Professor of Hydrology
Title: New Water, Old Ice: Untangling the Dynamics of Infiltration, Recharge, and Permafrost in a Warming, Greening Tundra
Abstract: Temperatures in the arctic and subarctic, are increasing up to four times faster than those observed further south. The consequences of this warming include increased rates of permafrost thaw, the growth of woody plants in and in areas that were previously barren tundra (i.e., shrubification), and changing patterns of precipitation. This talk will focus on how climate warming is reshaping both the water cycle in northern environments as well as the physical landscape. Presented first will be the results of a study that uses computer simulations to investigate how changes to the type and height of plants in northern watersheds will impact how soil freezes and thaws, as well as how water from snowmelt or rain infiltrates and becomes groundwater (i.e., the process of groundwater recharge). These simulations use data from field sites with three different types of vegetation: lichens and low shrubs, medium shrubs, and trees. In the study area, taller plants accumulate more snow over the winter, and the simulations show that this thicker snowpack creates more meltwater in the spring, resulting in more infiltration and ultimately more water becoming groundwater. However, part of the thicker snowpack under taller plants was snow blown from areas with shorter plants. Thus, as plants throughout the study area grow taller, the amount of snow that is able to be blown elsewhere is likely to be reduced. These results suggest that the evolution of ecological and hydrological systems are tightly linked, and changes to the amount, height and type of vegetation must be accounted for to better understand the hydrological impacts of thawing permafrost. Results of concurrent work on the thawing of large permafrost mounds in the study area will also be presented, along with a description of continuing and future work by our team across far Northern America.
reminders:
- Early course registration Winter 2023 & spring 2024: 11/6 - 12/1
- Last day to drop a course, Grad/Undergrads: 11/13
- Last day to withdraw without collegiate approval: 11/13
- Fall break: 11/19 - 11/26
- Final Exam Reports Grad students: 11/27
- Single thesis deposits due by 5PM CST: 12/4
- Close of classes: 12/8
- Final Exam Week: 12/11 - 12/15
STUDENT, 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. (Distinguished Alumni Award | Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu))
Please send your nominations to Lee Phillips, EESB Chair (plphilli@uncg.edu), Brian Hartman (brianshartman@gmail.com) since he's the 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!
EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CLUB
The Earth and Environmental Science Club will meet every other Wednesday in 125 TH at 6PM.
The group will meet every other week, unless otherwise announced. Please contact Henry Frederick (henry-frederick@uiowa.edu) for more information.
Dates are as follows: October 25th - November 8th - December 6th
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
UNDERGRAD/ENTRY-LEVEL
Geology Lab Technician, Whitman College
Whitman College - Walla Walla, Washington
Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment.
The College invites applications for a full-time Geology Lab Technician. This position will provide field trip support, classroom and laboratory support and facilities and communications support to faculty.
FMI and to apply, please see: https://whitman.bamboohr.com/careers/317
PROFESSIONAL/POST-GRAD
Mineralogist, Museum Scientist 3, New York State Museum
New York State Museum - Albany, New York
The New York State Museum, part of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education, anticipates filling a Museum Scientist 3, mineralogist/petrologist position. Under the supervision of the Director of Research and Collections, the Museum Scientist 3 position curates the State Museum’s gem, mineral, rock, and meteorite collection, performs and disseminates related research, supervises subordinate collections and research staff, and contributes to exhibition, public, and educational programming. Applications will be due November 10, 2023.
Details and application instructions can be found at: https://statejobs.ny.gov/public/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=139099
Assistant Professor of Geology, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Pembroke, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology and Geography beginning August 10, 2024. We seek applicants who can teach courses in Minerals and Rocks and Structural Geology, and general education sections.
Please visit our website (http://www.uncp.edu/geo/) to learn more about our major and our facilities including petrographic microscopes, GPR, and access to regional electron microprobe. Application Instructions: Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, cover letter, statements of teaching and research interests (1 page each), and contact information (address, email, phone number) for three references at https://jobs.uncp.edu. Transcripts will be required only for finalists. The successful candidate will have to submit official transcripts of all degrees. Address inquiries to the search committee chair: Dr. Madan Maharjan, Department of Geology & Geography, UNC-Pembroke, mailto: madan.maharjan@uncp.edu.
Management Preference:
Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) desirable.
Lic or Certifications Required by Statute or Regulation:
Job Opening Date: 10/17/2023
Job Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Posting Category: Faculty
Posting Number: EPA00850
Special Instructions to Applicants:
This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.
UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/4701114
A diverse community of physical, geospatial, and social scientists composed of over 35 faculty members seeks to add a dynamic and broadly trained Earth scientist who employs field, laboratory and/or modeling techniques for the study of Earth materials (e.g., minerals, sediments, and/or resources) for an August 2024 appointment.
More information and application instructions can be found at https://jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/52723 Position #006922.
Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Contact search committee co-chairs Dr. Patricia Fall (pfall@charlotte.edu) and Dr. Martha Cary (Missy) Eppes (meppes@charlotte.edu) with questions.
Assistant Professor, Computational Atmospheric, Oceanic, Climate Modeling, Bates College
Bates College - Lewiston, Maine
The Bates College Department of Earth and Climate Sciences (EACS) and the Department of Physics & Astronomy invites applications for a jointly-appointed, tenure-track Assistant Professor in computational Atmospheric, Oceanic, or Climate modeling, beginning August 2024. The new faculty member will be expected to teach at the intersection of earth and climate sciences and physics and to establish an active research program involving undergraduate students.
FMI and to apply: http://apply.interfolio.com/132445
The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks to hire a tenure-track Assistant Professor whose research is directly relevant to the energy transition and a sustainable energy future. We are specifically interested in candidates with active research in fields that include critical mineral resources and earth materials, geothermal energy, geologic carbon capture and sequestration, and/or related environmental impacts. We welcome applicants who use a range of field, analytical, and/or computational approaches.
The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent research program that will attract external funding and provide research training for graduate and undergraduate students. They will also be expected to provide effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels and participate in professional service to the Department and University. We seek candidates who demonstrate an interest in broadening participation of members of underrepresented groups, engaging diverse groups through research, teaching, and public engagement, and who are familiar with pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and intellectual interests.
We seek candidates who demonstrate interest in broadening participation of members of underrepresented groups and who are familiar with pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds. This growing department offers a highly collaborative and collegial environment and is active in fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. More information about the department can be found at https://earthsciences.uconn.edu/.
For details and to apply, visit https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26115. Evaluation of applicants will begin Dec. 1, 2023. UConn is an AA/EEO employer.
INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNSHIP
Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) Summer 2024 Internship Opportunities
Details: Interns will have an opportunity to complete challenging and rewarding projects in their field of study, working side by side with our professionals in the field. By applying for an internship opportunity, you may be considered for an internship at any one of our Nevada Gold Mines locations.
For information, including requirements for eligibility, see the URL below.
https://jobs.barrick.com/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/225613/?utm_medium=jobshare
UPCOMING EVENTS
CAMPUS EVENTS
sustainable chemistry along the rhine - germany, switzerland & france - summer session 2024: june 5 - 20
information sessions: Thurs., oct. 26, 1:00 - 2:00PM, W323 CB & Weds., Nov. 8, 4:40 - 5:30PM, location: tbd
Two weeks abroad from June 5 - June 20, 2024, in Germany, Switzerland, and France, learning about sustainable chemistry research, discussing how sustainable policy has an impact, and meeting with representatives and leaders in environmental policy and planning. Visist four cities committed to sustainability: Zurich and Basel, Switzerland; Freiburg, Germany; and Strasbourg, France.
Fluid Impressions: A Water Quality Exhibition - Nov. 3 - 2:00 - 5:00PM - PUblic Space One, 538 s. Gilbert st.
Join us as we explore themes of water through the creative lenses of six talented University of Iowa graduate students in the Arts and Humanities. This exhibition promises an enlightening and thought-provoking experience that will engage your senses and your mind.
Our students have poured passion and creativity into their productions, delving deep into the important issues surrounding water quality and watersheds and their connections to home and community. Their varied projects use ceramics and choreography, journalism and creative writing, critical cartography, papermaking and book arts to explore the problem of nitrogen pollution in our waterways and to encourage us all to become more engaged.
Attending this exhibition, you will have the opportunity to:
·Explore installations related to environmental and community issues
·Gain insight into the personal stories and experiences of our talented student artists, writers, and scholars
·Reflect on the importance of preserving our natural resources and protecting the places we call home
Although not required, we highly encourage attendees to RSVP to ensure we can accommodate all attendees comfortably. We look forward to having you join us for this inspiring showcase of art, education, and advocacy. This exhibit will remain open until November 8.
For more information, please contact Kate Giannini at kate-giannini@uiowa.edu.
The Public Policy Center is pleased to co-sponsor the Climate Change as National Security event with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and International Studies Program - nOV. 14
We hope this event will draw attention to the consequences that climate change poses in the realms of national security, military operations, and international relations. This event will also focus on how climate change affects the daily lives of Iowans, featuring former Iowa state Senator Robert Hogg, UI Professor of Political Science Sara Mitchell, and two panelists from the American Security Project.
More information can be found here: https://www.americansecurityproject.org/event/climate-security-as-national-security-climate-change-and-the-hawkeye-state/, including details on the speakers as well as the event sign up.
OFF CAMPUS/VIRTUAL EVENTS
IOWA GROUNDWATER ASSOCIATION - Nov. 8, Stony Creek hotel, johnston, IA
The Iowa Groundwater Association will hold their fall conference in conjunction with the Environmental Professionals of Iowa on Wednesday, November 8th at the Stony Creek hotel in Johnston. Details will be available at: https://www.igwa.org
Pal(a)eoPERCS (Pal(a)eo EaRly Career Seminars)
A weekly, virtual, inclusive, accessible, grassroots, institution-independent, global seminar series featuring Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in all fields of pal(a)eo-sciences (-ntology, -oceanography, -anthropology, -chemistry, -climatology, -seismology, and many more). We launched the series in June 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and have since had an incredibly positive response from the pal(a)eo-sciences community. Currently, we have over 2000 individuals from all career stages and paths, based around the world, who follow Pal(a)eoPERCS via our mailing list. Seminars take place on Zoom, and are posted on Youtube for asynchronous viewing.
We invite you to join in the celebration of excellent ECR-driven pal(a)eo-science from around the globe. There are currently three main ways to be involved:
- Sign up for our mailing list (https://paleopercs.com/participate/) to get weekly announcements about upcoming seminars and opportunities. All pal(a)eo-fans, regardless of career stage or academic status, are enthusiastically welcome to attend live seminars and watch the recorded seminars!
- Nominate an ECR speaker - this can be yourself, a colleague, or someone you would like to hear give a seminar. We particularly appreciate nominations from outside the US, UK, and Western Europe (https://paleopercs.com/nominate-speakers/).
- Apply to join the Pal(a)eoPERCS Leadership Committee - we are currently looking for some ECRs who are passionate about supporting this initiative. Learn more and apply to the committee by October 31, 2023 here: https://forms.gle/PXQvZg7UZdQLt6Fy7
FAQ: What do you mean by “early career”?
Traditionally, “early career” in Pal(a)eoPERCS has meant graduate student or postdoc, but we recognize that there are many possible career paths and trajectories (linear and nonlinear), and if you identify as “early career” working in a pal(a)eo or pal(a)eo-adjacent field/workspace, we would love to hear from you - our leadership committee has always included folks outside of the traditional graduate student or postdoc roles, and having this breadth of expertise and perspectives has been a core strength of ours.
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Pal(a)eoPERCS: A weekly seminar series by Early Career Researchers in “Pal(a)eo” sciences
Tuesdays at 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern / 4pm UK / 5pm Central Europe time
Twitter: @PalaeoPERCS
Instagram: @PalaeoPERCS
Website: https://paleopercs.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paleopercs1131
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.