Dear alumni and friends,
As I write this letter, COVID-19 cases are spiking across the country, and there remains great uncertainty in how the pandemic will impact us in the months ahead. Nevertheless, given the incredible efforts put forth by our faculty, staff, and students to make the best of the pandemic, I remain optimistic about the department’s future. We have dedicated staff, engaged students, and talented faculty all pulling together to maintain a vibrant and productive work environment. The response from the department to the difficulties and challenges posed by the pandemic inspires me and gives me hope. To the students, staff and faculty, thank you for all you have done for the department as we struggle through the pandemic.
In this newsletter, we introduce our new faculty (p. 8), profile several students (p. 4), highlight a number of exciting research projects (p. 11), and celebrate the accomplishments of many faculty and students who received awards this year (p. 22). In addition to five new faculty members who arrived over the summer (Chris Blaszczak-Boxe, Miquela Ingalls, Brian Kelly, Kim Lau, and Max Lloyd), we also welcome Chloe Gustafson. Chloe, after completing a two-year postdoc, will join the faculty in summer 2022. Chloe is a hydrogeologist specializing in electromagnetic and other geophysical methods for addressing groundwater problems, and recently completed her Ph.D. at Columbia University.
In spite of COVID-related delays, progress has been made this year on renovating the Deike Building. Just recently, the new hydro-ecology and crustal petrology labs on the fourth floor were commissioned. New mass spectrometers were installed in the isotope geochemistry facility on the east side of the basement, and work has progressed in the west side of the basement on building new sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleontology labs, a rock prep facility, a microscope lab, a remodeled seismic station, and field prep space for the geophysics and ice groups. And, to top things off, we have begun the initial design phase for new geochemistry labs on the fifth floor.
In other developments, a new website for the department is nearing completion, we have initiated searches for several faculty positions, and we are putting the final touches on a new five-year strategic plan, which includes a focus on addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the department through establishing a DEI standing committee. The committee will advance diversity efforts across the department, provide guidance on best practices, facilitate cultural change, and help prioritize actions to achieve the department’s DEI goals.
In closing, I want to acknowledge the generous support from our alumni and friends. I understand the challenges imposed by the pandemic on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That many of you have been able to find time to support the department under difficult conditions is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Andrew Nyblade