Tree-Ring Researcher Rose Oelkers – State of the Planet

Rose Oelkers, a Ph.D. candidate on the Columbia Local weather Faculty’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, has spent the final a number of years studying tropical tree species in Bolivia and Peru to grasp how they develop and reply to adjustments within the atmosphere. She credit her curiosity in tree-ring science to at least one devoted professor, Nicole Davi, who launched her to the self-discipline when she was an undergraduate initially pursuing ecology.

Within the Q&A under, Oelkers displays on the feminine researchers who inspired her to pursue her profession, and on the necessity for elevated visibility of ladies scientists and their analysis.

What bought you curious about science, and tree rings, particularly?

My curiosity in dendrochronology stems from my undergraduate research. I used to be at all times enthusiastic about ecology and pure techniques, however after I went to William Paterson College in New Jersey, I met this actually enthusiastic tree-ring scientist within the division of environmental science—Nicole Davi, who’s now an adjunct at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. She was the primary particular person to introduce me to the concept of finding out timber to study extra about local weather change and the longer term response of ecosystems to altering environments.

I discovered it actually neat that you can go to your native forest, take a look at tree rings for a selected time interval and relate it to a human reminiscence. For instance, in case you had been round through the drought of the Nineteen Sixties within the Northeast, you can take a look at a few of the old-growth hemlock tree samples from New York and see small rings that occurred for these years.

I used to be fortunate this professor had a analysis alternative and actually inspired going out into the sphere and doing hands-on work. I form of fell in love with the concept of with the ability to get your palms soiled and journey internationally to attempt to study extra about totally different environments.

By means of Davi, I met a few of the nice tree-ring scientists at Lamont. To raised discover this area, I turned a technician on the Tree-Ring Laboratory and was in a position to work with Rosanne D’Arrigo and Laia Andreu-Hayles on tasks finding out quite a lot of biogeochemical parameters of tree rings in Alaska. This expertise allowed me to fulfill and collaborate with different earth scientists like Natalie Boelman, an arctic ecologist who has performed a vital function as an enthusiastic mentor. This group of empowering girls expressed confidence in my skills as a scientist, even when challenges arose, and inspired me to pursue my pursuits in tree-ring analysis. At the moment, I’m fortunate to have Laia, Rosanne and Natalie function advisors on my Ph.D. committee as I research forest progress and hydroclimate historical past within the Amazon. I completely consider the motivation and alternatives these girls have offered me modified the trajectory of my profession.

You point out a number of necessary girls who helped information you in your analysis. How can we proceed to assist and mentor women and girls in science so that they have related alternatives?

We have to proceed to extend visibility of the analysis and the impacts of ladies in STEM [science, technology, engineering and math]. By normalizing feminine function fashions in science, we are able to create an area for younger college students to really feel empowered in pursuing scientific careers themselves and to collaborate with and rejoice their feminine friends.

A profitable mentor can be a cheerleader. I consider it’s necessary to proactively encourage younger ladies to pursue their pure pursuits and construct self-confidence although inclusivity and steerage, no matter age or expertise. By funding instructional assets and facilitating connections for internships within the area, we are able to enhance accessibility for younger ladies to interact within the scientific group.

Do you will have any recommendation for younger ladies or ladies who’re serious about getting into the sphere? 

Though alternatives for ladies in science have been restricted by unconscious bias within the geoscience area up to now, don’t be afraid to make use of your voice, particularly in male-dominated environments. Ask the questions. Take part in discussions, share your enthusiasm, and pursue the roles that you really want. You need to be within the room, and there’s a community of ladies scientists out there to assist you.

Meet a few of the girls scientists at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in our Science for the Planet collection; read about others from DEES, IRI and CIESIN; and learn the way Columbia College is promoting girls in science.