Peccia allyA Ph.D. of fourth year. Candidate at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Columbia, studies the origins of volcanic gases and interactions between volcanoes and climate. Peccia has also worked to integrate his passions for science and art through unique initiatives, including the creation of a “field guide” with scientists from the Metropolitan Art Museum focused on works related to volcano and helping to organize the “”Investigate as art“Event in Lamont The past fall. In its own ceramic practice, peccia often incorporates volcanic themes and materials.
In the questions and answers below, Peccia reflects on his love for life for learning, the mentors who inspired his studies and the importance of fixing the “leaking pipe” to leadership for scientific women.
How did you get into science?
I have always loved to learn, and use a frame to understand the world really attracted me. Although I study volcanoes now, I have had all kinds of interest during my education. I studied amphibian breeding tallo points at the Grand Teton National Park and worked in a genetic laboratory at high school. At university, I helped map lead pollution in New York and worked in a laboratory where we genetically design bacteria to break down [the industrial chemical] BPA in wastewater treatment environments. For me, getting involved with science was never trying to commit to a single subject; It was about being involved in a learning and discovery process.
Is there a woman in science, Columbia or otherwise, who inspired you?
There are many women in science that have inspired me, but one stands out. I took a class called how to build a habitable planet with Terry Plank In my third year of my undergraduate studies, and I was captivated not only for the subject, but for the enthusiastic style of teaching plank. This turned out to be the same semester that received a great subsidy of the Moore Foundation To improve highly active volcanoes monitoring worldwide (The evasion project). I remember that I was surprised that I could make a difference in students’ life while working simultaneously into projects that have the potential to transform the way we predict and respond to disaster. I have been incredibly fortunate to continue my postgraduate studies under its tutoring, and the intellectual strength and passion that leads with it remains something that inspires me every day.
“Participating in science was never trying to commit to a single subject; It was about being involved in a learning and discovery process. “
How can we continue supporting and mentor of scientific women?
My opinion is that we have improved a lot to recruit more scientific women, but we do not do a great job to retain them in more senior positions (The so -called “leak pipe”). Interventions In the graduated student, Postdoc and the early professional stages are necessary to help repair these “leaks.” To that end, voting for candidates and voting measures that support capital initiatives in higher education is crucial to continue improving the panorama for scientific women.
Do you have any advice for younger women or girls who are interested in entering the field?
Some things that I have observed so far are: (1) Your advisors/mentors are incredibly important for their success and long -term compliance in science. Choose them carefully, and not only for their academic achievements. (2) Failure is part of the work. Try to hug him when he can and recognize that failure is still progress. (3) The emotional connection you have with your science is important. Have fun and use your imagination! Let the emotion of discovery feed your wonder about the world.
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