Ally PecciaA fourth year doctorate. Candidate for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Columbia, studies the origins of volcanic gases and the interactions between volcanoes and the climate. Peccia has also worked to integrate her passions for science and art thanks to unique initiatives, in particular by creating a “field guide” with scientists from the Metropolitan Museum of Art focused on works related to volcanoes and helping to organize the “”Art search»Event in Lamont last fall. In its own ceramic practice, Peccia often incorporates themes and volcanic materials.
In the Q & R below, Peccia reflects on her love for lifelong learning, mentors who have inspired her studies and the importance of repairing the “fleeing pipeline” to leadership for scientific women.
How did you enter science?
I always liked to learn and use a framework to understand that the world really attracted me. Although I study volcanoes now, I had all kinds of interests throughout my studies. I studied the reproduction hotspots of amphibians in the Grand Teton National Park and worked in a laboratory of genetics in high school. In college, I helped map the head contamination in New York and worked in a laboratory where we genetically designed bacteria to break down (the industrial chemical) BPA in wastewater treatment environments. For me, getting involved in science has never been to engage on a single subject; It was a question of being involved in a process of learning and discovery.
Is there a woman in science, Columbia or other, who inspired you?
There are many women in science who inspired me, but we stand out. I took a course called how to build a habitable planet with Plank During my first year of my undergraduate studies and was captivated not only by the subject, but by the enthusiastic teaching style of Plank. It was the same half that she received a major subsidy from the Moore Foundation to improve monitoring of very active volcanoes from around the world (The AVORT project). I remember being surprised that she could make a difference in the life of students while working simultaneously on projects that have the potential to transform the way we predict and respond to disasters. I had an incredible chance to continue my higher education under her mentoring, and the intellectual strength and the passion that she takes with her is always something that I inspire every day.
“Getting involved in science has never been to engage on a single subject; It was a question of being involved in a process of learning and discovery. »»
How can we continue to support and supervise scientific women?
In my opinion, we have improved a lot in the recruitment of more scientific women, but do not do a great job to keep them in higher positions (The so-called “fleeing pipeline”). Interventions To the graduate student, the postdoctal and early career steps are necessary to help repair these “leaks”. To this end, the vote for candidates and voting measures that support capital initiatives in higher education is crucial to continue to improve the landscape of scientific women.
Do you have advice to young women or girls who wish to enter the field?
So far, some things that I have observed are as follows: (1) Your advisers / mentors are incredibly important for your success and long -term development in science. Choose them carefully, and not only for their academic achievements. (2) Failure is part of the work. Try to adopt it when you can and acknowledge that failure is always progress. (3) The emotional link you have with your science is important. Have fun and use your imagination! Let the excitement of discovery feed your wonder on the world.