Ally Pecciaa fourth year doctoral candidate for Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is studying the origins of volcanic gases and the interactions between volcanoes and climate. Peccia has created a “field guide” with scientists at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, focusing on volcanic works, “creating a “field guide,” “field” and “field guide,” “field guide.” I’m working on creating a “field” and creating a “field guide” and creating a “field guide.”Research as an art“Event at Lamont this fall. In her own pottery practice, Peccia often incorporates volcanic themes and materials.
In the Q&A below, Peccia reflects on the importance of modifying a “leakable pipeline” to the love of lifelong learning, the mentor who influenced her research, and the leadership of female scientists.
How did you get into science?
I’ve always loved to learn and using frameworks to understand the world was really fascinating. I am studying volcanoes now, but I have had all sorts of interests through my education. I studied amphibian breeding hotspots at Grand Teton National Park and worked at a high school genetics laboratory. At university, I helped map lead contamination in NYC and worked in a lab that breaks down genetically modified bacteria. [the industrial chemical] BPA for wastewater treatment settings. For me, being involved in science was not about committing to a single topic. It was to be involved in the learning and discovery process.
Is there a woman in Colombian science who inspired you?
There are many women in the science that inspired me, but they stand out. I took a class called How to Build a Household Planet Terry Plank In my third year undergraduate studies, I was captivated by Planck’s enthusiastic style of education, not just by the subject matter. This happened to be the same semester she received a massive grant. Moore Foundation To improve monitoring of highly active volcanoes around the world (Abert Project). I remember being surprised that she was able to make a difference in the lives of students, while also working on projects that could change the way disasters are predicted and responded. I was very fortunate to continue my graduate studies under her guidance, and the intellectual power and passion she carries with her is still something I am inspired every day. is.
“To be involved in science was not to commit to a single topic. It was to be involved in the process of learning and discovery.”
How can we support and guide female scientists?
My view is that we have improved a lot by recruiting more female scientists, but we are not doing a great job staying in more advanced positions.The so-called “leaky pipeline”). intervention Graduate students need postdocs and early career stages to help repair these “leaks.” To that end, votes for candidates and voting measures that support equity initiatives in higher education are important to continue to improve the landscape of women scientists.
Do you have any advice for young women and girls who are interested in entering the field?
Here are some things I’ve observed so far: (1) Your advisor/mentor is extremely important for your success and long-term implementation of science. Choose them carefully, not just their academic achievements. (2) Failure is part of the job. Try to accept it when possible, and realize that failure is still going on. (3) The emotional connection you have with your science is important. Have fun and use your imagination! The excitement of discovery fuels your wonders about the world.
