EES NEWSLETTER

WEEK OF APRIL 2, 2024

EES 5010 Geoscience Seminar – 4/5/2024 - 125 TROWBRIDGE HALL - 3:30 - 5PM

Presenter: Dr. Abigail Fraemen - Research Scientist - Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) - California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

Title: Unlocking Clues to Mars’ Habitable Past with Curiosity and Orbital Data

Abstract: The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity landed in Gale crater over eleven years ago with the primary objective to assess the habitability of ancient Mars. The rover’s main target of exploration, Mt. Sharp, is a ~5 km high mound of sedimentary material in the crater’s center. To date, Curiosity has climbed over 790 m in elevation up the flank of Mt. Sharp, and along the way, has compiled evidence for long-lived habitable environments in multiple geologic settings. Orbital data have played a critical role in the mission, guiding strategic traverse planning, and providing regional context for Curiosity’s observations. Visible shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging data collected by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show the mineralogy of Mt. Sharp’s strata change with elevation, with crystalline iron oxides and phyllosilicates dominating the lower portion of the mound, Mg-sulfates being present in the middle section, and the top being dominated by anhydrous nanophase iron oxides. In this talk, I will discuss what coordinated analysis of in situ and orbital data have revealed about changing Martian environments with a focus on the hematite-bearing layered named Vera Rubin ridge as well the region that transitions from clay- to sulfate-bearing rocks, which was hypothesized to record a change in climate in Gale crater that might also be representative to the global-scale climate changes on Mars’ ~3 billion years ago. I will also give an update Curiosity’s recent exploration goals and findings as the rover continues to explore the persistence of habitable through dramatically changing Martian climates.

Student Awards

Congratulations to PhD candidates Ryan Shanks and Joshua Laird, who both received Karl Hirsch Memorial Grants from the Western Interior Paleontological Society. Both are students of Dr. Jonathan Adrain. Congratulations to Ryan and Josh!

Reminders:

• 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
• Commencement: 5/9 - 5/12/24
• First day of summer classes - 5/13/24

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!

Graduate Student Defenses

• 4/3, Wednesday, 11AM (CST) - John J. Nguyen [Master’s Defense] - 339 Iowa Memorial Union [faculty advisor: Christopher Brochu]
  • “A Reassessment of Asiatosuchus grangeri Mook, 1940 and its Implications on the Evolution of Paleogene Crocodiles”
    • The genus Asiatosuchus has historically been used as a wastebasket taxon to refer to any basal crocodile from the Paleogene. These species represent some of the closest extinct relatives to all modern crocodiles. Here we sought to reassess the species Asiatosuchus grangeri Mook, 1940, a crocodile from the middle Eocene of China. Fossil specimens of this species were reexamined to create a detailed description from which to conduct a morphology based phylogenetic analysis. A. grangeri was found to be somewhat more derived than previously thought, and less closely related to other species that have previously been referred to the genus. The results of this analysis may also point towards an Asian lineage of early crocodile which persisted from the Late Cretaceous up to the Eocene. Further studies are required among basal crocodiles to both resolve the remaining degree of uncertainty in their phylogenetic relationships and incorporate these findings with molecular data of extant species.
• 4/3, Wednesday, 1PM (CST) - Brandon Botha [Master’s Defense] - 349 Iowa Memorial Union [faculty advisor: Emily Finzel]
• “Evaluating natural and induced bias in detrital zircon geochronology from Jurassic-Cretaceous strata in the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA”
  • The influence of natural and induced bias are unsolved problems in detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology. This project evaluates natural bias that may result from hydraulic sorting in a depositional environment and induced bias that may result from sample disaggregation during mineral separation. In Mesozoic strata from the Black Hills, South Dakota, we conducted three experiments for natural bias. In the Hulett Member of the Jurassic Sundance Formation, which represents deposition in a shallow marine environment, we sampled beds with different sedimentary structures representing varying hydrodynamic conditions. In the Fuson Member of the Cretaceous Lakota Formation, multiple samples from different positions within two ancient barforms were sampled. In the Cretaceous Fall River Formation, we sampled the base and top of a fluvial channel and its associated crevasse splay deposits. We test for induced bias by running in parallel two aliquots of 300 grams from each sample. The first aliquot was mechanically disaggregated using a jaw crusher and disk mill and the second aliquot was processed using a SelFrag Electopulse Disaggregator, which disaggregates along grain boundaries using high voltage electrical fragmentation. We also collected grain size data for each aliquot to test for differences in the resulting mineral separates as well as age-grain-size correlations. For each test, we use visual and statistical approaches to evaluate for biasing. Visual comparisons evaluate the presence or absence and relative abundance of age populations. Quantitative comparisons rely upon five statistical metrics: similarity, likeness, and cross-correlation of kernel density estimates (KDEs), and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) and Kuiper tests of cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) to compare data. Our results suggest that for our experiments, natural and induced biasing are not present and that, in terms of provenance, the samples from each unit would be interpreted as having the same sources. We also find, similar to previous studies, that the number of grains (n) dated greatly influences how statistical metrics are measured.
• 4/16, Tuesday, 9:30AM (CST) - Nathanael Kilburg [Master’s Defense] - 345 Iowa Memorial Union [faculty advisor: David Peate]
  • “Age and Petrogenesis of the Matlock ‘Keratophyre’ in Northwest Iowa”
    • Mineral exploration cores drilled in 1963 into a magnetic anomaly by the New Jersey Zinc Company in northwest Iowa found the ~2.7 Ga Otter Creek layered mafic intrusion stratigraphically overlain by the ~1.78 Ga Matlock “Keratophyre” (MK). The MK was logged in two of the drilled Matlock cores: C-5 and C-6. The MK was described as a dark gray porphyritic rhyolite unit in the subsurface Precambrian basement of Iowa that grades downward from a crystal-poor tuff (core C-6 and top of core C-5) into a volcanic flow breccia that contains mafic clasts from the underlying 2.7 Ga Otter Creek Layered Igneous Complex (core C-5). This project involved gathering new petrographic and compositional data to investigate the nature and petrogenesis of this highly altered, mixed rhyolite-basalt unit. A PXRF was used to survey compositional variations in the cores to aid sample selection for whole rock geochemistry and U-Pb zircon geochronology (high-Zr core sections). Zircon was recovered from two Matlock C-5 core sections, but the sample of crystal-poor tuff (C-6 core section) was barren. Zircons analyzed by LA-ICP-MS at the Arizona LaserChron Center yielded concordia ages of 1803 ± 4 Ma (sample C5 488-9) and 1810 ± 9 Ma (sample C5 1067), suggesting the MK is older than the previous estimate (~1.78 Ga). The ICP-MS data on 24 whole rock samples shows that the MK is not a keratophyre unit but instead a high potassium rhyolite that has been highly altered and variably leached in alkali elements, and that there are three distinct rhyolite units within the MK unit based on incompatible and immobile element ratios, such as Zr/Nb and La/Sm. The PXRF and whole rock geochemical data highlight an unusual amount of mafic clasts. These whole rock geochemical data and new in-situ zircon U-Pb ages provide additional context about the southern margin of the Superior Craton.
• 6/6, Thursday, Time TBD (CST) - Samson Bruxvoort [Master’s Defense] - Location TBD [faculty advisor: Bill McClelland]
  • Title TBD

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

UNDERGRAD / ENTRY-LEVEL

The Iowa Geological Survey is looking for a full-time summer assistant at its facility on the UI Research Park in Coralville. The assistant will primarily assist in the preparation of well chip samples and enter geologic information into various databases. Some field work, such as collecting groundwater level measurements, may also be possible as projects develop.

A background in geology or earth sciences is desirable, but not required. Must be detail oriented. Must have the ability to move research materials weighing up to 50 pounds. A valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain University Driving Policy standards is required. Applicants MUST be enrolled as a student at a college or university in the spring 2024. 

Work hours are typically between 8:00 – 5:00 p.m., M-F, but are flexible after training is complete. Pay is $15.00/hr. The position starts on May 13 and will last through August 23.

To apply for this position, please send a resume to Rick Langel at (richard-langel@uiowa.edu). If you have any questions, please contact Rick at richard-langel@uiowa.edu or 335-4102.

PROFESSIONAL/POST-GRAD

USGS Term Physical Scientist (GS-11) Lakewood, CO - USGS - Lakewood, Colorado

$80,665 - $104,861 Per Year - Full Time

The US Geological Survey Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Lakewood Colorado has a job opening for a Physical Scientist with experience in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and other instrumental methods for determining elemental and isotopic compositions of geological materials. This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 10 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service but will include a benefits package with paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance options.

To see complete details and to apply for the opening see Job Announcement Number USGS-DEN-24-12346186-DHA-MB at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/783429600

Overview:

Position open from 3/26/24 through 4/8/24 (midnight eastern time)

Pay Scale & Grade: GS-11 (Full Performance Level GS-11)

Salary: $80,665 (Step 01) to $104,861 (Step 10). NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

Some duties of the position include:

• Perform varied chemical analyses and procedures on geological samples of diverse matrices and modify methods and procedures to satisfy special requirements and to solve problems.
• Perform tests with instruments and equipment to verify compliance with high performance standards and ensure quality control.
• Prepare stable and homogeneous organic and inorganic reference materials.
• Plan and collect a variety of field samples that may include mine waste, soil, specific rock types, and stream sediments. Propose sample site selection, sample collection methods, and field-testing procedures.
• Analyze and interpret geologic data to reveal temporal and spatial patterns in physical and chemical character.

Geologic Mapping Lab Manager - University of Idaho - Moscow, Idaho

The Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Geoscience Manager to join our team and lead and manage the Geologic Mapping Lab.

This position oversees a staff of GIS analysts and cartographers to guarantee operations of a nationally renowned geologic mapping lab; collaborates with geologic staff on federal, state, and industry-funded research projects; advises the IGS Director on scientific and technology needs to continue IGS’s tradition of excellence in geologic mapping and digital publications; and supports the development of the next generation of geologic data products.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Broad geoscience background.

• Experience supervising staff to achieve team objectives.

• An ability to take on large, multi-faceted projects.

• Innovative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.

• Leadership qualities that motivate others.

• Ability to navigate and manage competing deadlines.

The position is housed on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, ID (https://visitmoscowid.com), a family friendly community that merges the progressive vibes of the university with the classic and outdoor feel of the beautiful Palouse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palouse).

For a more comprehensive list of job duties and responsibilities, please visit https://www.uidaho.edu/research/about/jobs

To apply, please visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/44139

Science Program Officer - Heising-Simons Foundation - Hybrid role. Candidates must live in, or be willing to relocate to, the San Francisco Bay Area

Salary: The starting salary range for candidates is $130,000 - $175,000 plus comprehensive benefits.

Closing date: Apr 30, 2024

The Opportunity: The Heising-Simons Foundation is seeking a Science Program Officer who will help manage the Foundation’s science grantmaking. The Science Program Officer (PO) is a strategic and collaborative individual who has demonstrated experience in and a commitment and passion for advancing scientific research. As part of the Science team, the PO helps shape and administer the Foundation’s Science portfolio. The PO explores new grantmaking areas, works with prospective and existing grantees, monitors grant progress, and provides information, analyses, and recommendations to the team and the Foundation. The Science team is currently staffed by two program associates, two program officers, and the program director. The Science program will award $30 million in grants in 2024.

The Science program primarily supports research in astronomy and cosmology, fundamental physics, and climate change science, as well as science communication and efforts to increase the participation of traditionally underrepresented populations in these areas. For this opening, education, training, and work experience in climate change science or fundamental physics is especially valued but not required. The successful program officer candidate might work on grants in any of these areas. This is an opportunity to learn about many fields and sub-fields within the physical sciences and grantmaking. Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas listed in the job posting.

The ideal candidate will have 1) a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a climate change science-related discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, earth system modeling, paleoclimatology, geochemistry, or similar field) or a physical science (e.g., physics, astronomy, cosmology); 2) at least 3 years of relevant post-degree work experience for a PhD or at least 5 years for a Master’s degree; 3) experience with a research group or scientific research initiative in an academic, business, non‐profit, or government setting; 4) a strong interest in a breadth of scientific disciplines and the ability to synthesize information and ideas across a diverse landscape of scientific issues; 5) excellent research, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills; and 6) the ability to work both independently and as part of a small (six-person) team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a climate change science-related discipline (e.g., atmospheric science, earth system modeling, paleoclimatology, geochemistry, or similar fields) or physical science (e.g., physics, astronomy, cosmology).
• At least 3 years of relevant post-degree work experience are required for a Ph.D., and at least 5 years are required for a Master’s degree.
• Experience with a research group or scientific research initiative in an academic, business, non‐profit, or government setting.
• A strong interest in a breadth of scientific disciplines and the ability to synthesize information and ideas across a diverse landscape of scientific issues.
• An understanding of the research enterprise in major research universities and institutions in the U.S.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to plan and think strategically about program design and implementation, manage large projects and budgets, set realistic goals and objectives, and effectively balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent project management, time management, research, writing, and communication skills, including an ability to synthesize material and to identify major opportunities in a specific area.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, stakeholders, and others in an ongoing and multifaceted partnership.
• Ability to work independently and to be self-motivated.
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn) how foundations function and of the grantmaking process.
• The personal presence to represent the Foundation in diverse forums and establish and maintain organizational relationships.
• An ability to effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably, and act without having the total picture in the face of ambiguity.
• The personal motivation to embody the Foundation’s values and support the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and use new systems of technology, such as Microsoft Office applications, Salesforce, Zoom, and Box.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally (up to ~20%) to achieve the goals of the Science Program and the Foundation.
• A sense of humor, commitment to teamwork, and a positive work environment.

Location: This full-time (37.5 hours per week) exempt position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and reports to the Science Program Director. The successful candidate must live in, or be willing to relocate to, the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently, the Foundation has a flexible hybrid approach to work, allowing staff to work from home or the office while maintaining a regular in-person cadence for community building, learning, collaboration, and direction setting. The Science team meets in the Foundation’s Los Altos office several times per month and as needed to accomplish the team’s objectives.

To Apply: Martha Montag Brown & Associates, LLC has been retained to conduct this search. Interested and qualified candidates should apply by emailing a resume, targeted cover letter, and salary requirements (based on the stated compensation range for the position) to search@marthamontagbrown.com. All correspondence will remain confidential.

INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNSHIP

Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys - Geology Summer - Intern - State of Alaska - Fairbanks, AK

Spend the summer working with DGGS’s Hydrology & Surficial Geology Section to map sand and gravel material resources on Alaska’s North Slope (Anaktuvuk Pass)!

Available to undergraduate and graduate students!

Gain experience in...

• Remote, helicopter-supported fieldwork
• Geologic mapping
• GIS
• Plus more!

Work at DGGS’s Fairbanks, Alaska office

May to August (flexible start/end date)

Two weeks of fieldwork late June–early July

How do I apply?

Submit the following forms:

• Application form
• Statement of eligibility
• Unofficial transcript
• Two letters of recommendation

Visit for forms & more information: https://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pic/intern.htm

Email forms & questions to:

Trent D. Hubbard

Hydrology & Surficial Geology Section Chief

trent.hubbard@alaska.gov

dggs.alaska.gov

NOSAMS Graduate Student Internship Program - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Massachusetts 

Closing date: Apr 29, 2024

Two internships are awarded each year to U.S. based graduate students for research at the NOSAMS radiocarbon facility at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The internships should involve innovative application of radiocarbon measurements to an important oceanographic research problem and/or development of new techniques for radiocarbon measurement and will provide 2 to 6 weeks at NOSAMS. Available funds will cover all analytical costs (for a modest number of analyses), round-trip travel, accommodation, and subsistence while in Woods Hole, but not field work and sampling.

Candidates should submit a two-page proposal outlining the proposed work and motivation and we will begin reviewing submissions starting June 1, 2023. Please include a list of the number and type of samples to be analyzed (e.g., 5 DOC samples, 10 carbonate samples, etc.), which will not count toward the 2-page limit. Proposals, the requested sample analyses, and CVs (all as pdf files) should be sent to nosamsinternship@whoi.edu along with contact information. Proposals will be judged based on scientific soundness, relevance to capabilities and objectives at NOSAMS, novelty, and potential scientific impact. Priority will be given to collaborative research with PI's at NOSAMS, and that show promise for follow-on projects. Internships can be used at a mutually agreed time between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.

FELLOWSHIP

Lori Summa and David Awwiller Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Geosciences - UC Davis - Davis, CA

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis invites applications for the Lori Summa and David Awwiller Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Geosciences. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) provides a world-class, stimulating intellectual and educational environment that prioritizes people. As a community we are committed to conducting cutting-edge research in Earth and Planetary Sciences to address challenging scientific and societal problems. We seek a postdoctoral scholar who has excellent research ideas and skills to conduct a creative, impactful, and collaborative research project with the mentorship of an EPS faculty member. Research areas targeted for this application cycle include (potential mentors in parentheses): cosmochemistry and isotope geochemistry (Yin), multidisciplinary geology/geodynamics project focused on dynamics of forearc deformation in Northern California (Oskin/Billen), geospatial analysis of flood risk and other climate-driven hazards in California with a focus on research, planning, and policy applications (Pinter), time scales and rates of subvolcanic magmatic processes (Cooper), and aqueous isotope geochemistry (Atekwana). Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential mentors well in advance of the application deadline to discuss project ideas and resources available to support the proposed project. The successful applicant will also have $2,000 available to them to support research activities and/or conference travel.

This is a full-time position with salary based on experience (see UC Davis salary tables) and includes benefits. This is a two-year appointment. There may be opportunities for teaching at UC Davis depending on the interests of the applicant. Postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis are supported by the Postdoctoral Scholars Association, which provides professional development and career support, as well as a variety of other professional development programs. They are also represented by the Postdoctoral Scholar Bargaining Unit.

We aim to provide the most accessible experience possible to support a postdoctoral scholar who will thrive in this position.

A PhD in geoscience or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Candidates must be within the first 5 years of their PhD completion date, based on UC Davis policy.

Applicants should submit a cover letter with a brief description of their PhD research and qualifications for the proposed project, a statement of the proposed postdoctoral project (statement limited to 3 pages including figures; references can be in additional pages), a Curriculum Vitae, and three references, including one reference from the proposed postdoctoral mentor at UC Davis. Application materials should be submitted via the online application system at https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06401

UPCOMING EVENTS

CAMPUS EVENTS

UNIVERISTY OF IOWA EARTH MONTH EVENTS

April is Earth Month. Discover an exciting lineup of activities on the UI Earth Month Hub! From nature hikes and litter cleanups to clothing swaps and sustainability lectures, there's something for everyone to celebrate Earth Month.

• Join EES in Trowbridge Hall on Saturday, April 20th, from 1 - 4PM for our Earth Day Open House!

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.

April 5 (all day event): "Wetlands Preservation after Sackett v. EPA: Land Conservation and What it Means for Iowa" Panel Series

• 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

Campus and Local Community Spaces as Collaborative Lab for Environmental Research—Inspiration from Leaders at Other Campuses

April 5, 1:30 - 3:00PM - Iowa City Public Library (123 S Linn St.)

Around the country, visionary faculty members and administrators are finding inspiring ways to engage students, artists, researchers, staff, and community partners in learning about and responding to climate change and its environmental effects through the very landscapes in which they live and work. As part of this year’s Obermann series, “Envisioning Interdisciplinary, Experiential Environmental Research,” we are thrilled to welcome two leaders whose brilliant cross-sectoral, cross-disciplinary collaborations offer inspiring ways to conduct research, teach classes, and connect campuses with their communities. Their work promises that through expansive, intentional collaborations here at the University of Iowa, we can leap over the usual obstacles to working together and design projects that will not only change hearts and minds, but directly address the impacts of climate change and environmental challenges.

Speakers:

Kathleen Socolofsky, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director, UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. AVC Socolofsky is the co-developer of three initiatives that are being used as models for universities and public gardens across the United States and beyond: (1) the UCD GATEways (Gardens, Arts, and The Environment) Project; (2) the UC Davis Living Landscape Adaptation Plan for climate change; and (3) the Learning by Leading™ Program Model for student experiential leadership for the environment.

Lecture: "The UCD Arboretum and Public Garden as Interdisciplinary, Learning Laboratory—Connecting the Campus and Community Through Experiential Teaching, Learning, and Research on and in the Environment"

Bethany Wiggin, Founding Director of the Penn Program in Environmental Humanities and the My Climate Story and Ecotopian Toolkit projects and Professor of German at the University of Pennsylvania with affiliations in Comparative Literature, English, and International Studies. Wiggin’s collaborations include research across the arts and sciences and public engagement in the environmental humanities: including Timescales and An Ecotopian Toolkit. After the 2016 election, she played a pivotal role in launching #Datarefuge to address concerns about federal climate and environmental data. With Johns Hopkins engineering professor Peter DeCarlo, she researches and teaches summer research seminars to educate the public about the pollution of the Schuylkill River.

Lecture: "Humanists at Work in the World: Campus-Community Partnerships for Environmental Justice"

This event is free and open to all.

Hosted by the UI Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, with generous support from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Humanities for the Public Good.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Erin Hackathorn in advance at 319-335-4034 or erin-hackathorn@uiowa.edu

WORKSHOPS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

LEED Green Associate Certification: Spring Enrollment

Welcome spring with the LEED Green Associate certification in sustainability! Spearheaded by the US Green Building Council, LEED accreditation demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the field. Whether it's understanding Green Buildings or mastering sustainable work practices, LEED accreditation sets you apart.

Our training workshops have guided over 12,000 students and professionals, resulting in an impressive passing rate. Given the exam's difficulty, enrolling in our course is the most effective path to securing your designation. 

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training Options:

I will be offering live webinars that can be streamed on any of the following dates:

1. April 13 2024 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT

2. May 11 2024 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT

3. June 8 2024 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT - OR -

4. On-demand recordings completed at your own pace

The above options (1-4) are all identical.

Register for a live online seminar or start today with our on-demand recorded workshop completed anytime at your own pace here - https://leadinggreen.com/online

Both options offer comprehensive training, practice exams, valuable tips, and required textbooks—all led by a USGBC Faculty member. It's the most efficient and affordable way to master the material!

Cost: $200 (Use code 'green' for $100 off! Non-students: $300)

For any questions, feel free to reach out directly to the instructor, Lorne, at info@leadinggreen.com

Geological Society of America 2024 Joint North-Central and South-Central Section Meeting

21 - 23 April 2024 - Springfield, Missouri - Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

Registration here

58th Annual Meeting of the North-Central Section

Meet in the Mid-Continent!

We are excited to have the opportunity to host the joint meeting of the North-Central and South-Central Sections. We have built a diverse technical program that spans the geology of the Ozarks (Paleozoic units and abundant karst) to Precambrian basement outcrops both east and west of the Ozarks, to the structural features of the southern margin. This geology includes world-class Lead-Zinc deposits, paleontological finds, and fascinating environmental challenges. Beyond the rocks, we also invite you to join us as we explore recent changes in our profession and their implications for educational preparation of the next generation of earth scientists. The program has many opportunities for students—our greatest resource for the future—to develop and build their career paths. We look forward to seeing you at the joint meeting!

Location

The meeting will be held in Springfield, Missouri, USA. Situated near the heart of the Ozarks physiographic province, Springfield is a mid-size town which provides a great launching point to examine mid-continent geology. The Oasis Hotel and Convention Center offer quality meeting rooms along with many relaxing places to sit and connect with your colleagues to continue discussions of geo-topics. Conveniently located near I-44 and US-65, the hotel has in-house and nearby restaurants, an indoor pool with relaxing tropical poolside lounge, and is only steps away from parts of historic US Route 66. Take a field trip to see interesting geology from Paleozoic sediments to the basement; see interactions between geology, society and historical development, or just enjoy one of Missouri’s 7000+ caves! We invite you to join us at Springfield 2024!

Registration

Early registration deadline: 18 Mar. 2024

Cancelation deadline: 25 Mar. 2024

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

Iowa Groundwater Association Spring Meeting - APRIL 30TH - INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER – CEDAR RAPIDS

Click here to view calendar event, full agenda, and to register

Registration Opens March 5 at 6AM

When: April 30, 2024 8:00am - 5:00pm

Where: Indian Creek Nature Center - 5300 Otis Rd SE - Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Topics: Drought, Groundwater Levels, and Groundwater Contamination

CEUs for Well Contractors, Water Operators, and Groundwater Professionals will be offered, amount is TBD and will be updated ASAP.

iowa project aware - 21st annual volunteer river cleanup - skunk river - july 7 - 12, 2024

• Volunteer to clean up a river for a day, the whole week, or anywhere in between
• Navigate down a river up to 20 miles a day, loading trash into your canoe as you paddle
• Daily registration fees include catered meals, canoes, and paddles
• Tent camping areas provided each night of the journey

Register online: www.iowaprojectaware.org

Pre-sale deadline: April 15 - $50/day

Early bird deadline: May 15 - $55/day

Regular deadline: June 15 - $65/day

Late deadline: after June 15 - $75/day

Space may be limited, early registration is recommended

For more information, visit www.iowaprojectaware.org, or contact Charlie at charlie@iowaprojectaware.org

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.