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December 11-15, 2023
American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting
American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting
Early in December, I presented my soiling research as a poster at the AGU Fall Meeting. This year, the meeting was held in sunny San Francisco, just a quick train ride from Davis.
Though I've virtually presented at AGU before, this is the first time I had the opportunity to attend the conference in person. Let me tell you, it is a HUGE conference! I'll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, but I eventually found a puppy station (!!!) in the middle of the poster hall. A few snuggles later and I was re-energized and ready to learn!
The theme of this year's meeting was "Wide. Open. Science," which I interpreted as an invitation to branch out of my comfort zone and learn more about the science that researchers in diverse fields were excited about.
August 6-11, 2023
Ecological Society of America Conference
Ecological Society of America Conference
This week, I presented a poster on the UC Davis GESLab's work with waterbirds and floating solar energy at the annual Ecological Society of America (ESA) in Portland, OR.
In my mind, the amazing photos we had of birds using FPV infrastructure were sure to be the draw to the poster -- but I was surprised by the number of folks who were interested in our work with panel soiling!
Soiling, or the accumulation of particles on a panel surface, is one of the most critical issues in solar development. It is responsible for at least 3-4% of annual solar power production losses and nearly $7 billion in annual revenue losses. Avian soiling is particularly problematic, as it represents a potential conflict area between sustainable development goals, particularly those that emphasize bird conservation goals, and those that emphasize renewable energy development.
It was an absolute blast to spend a week learning from folks conducting groundbreaking ecological research, sharing our lab's contributions, and connecting with ecologists, industry professionals, and climate decision-makers across the world!
June 20, 2023
Henry A. Jastro Scholarship
Henry A. Jastro Scholarship
For the second year in a row, I have been awarded a Henry A. Jastro Scholarship for outstanding research.
This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to graduate students in recognition of their potential to carry out research related to the mission of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
April 20, 2023
AGU Voices for Science
AGU Voices for Science
A Trip to Washington D.C.
A Trip to Washington D.C.
This last week, I was flown out to Washington D.C. to learn how to apply my research toward science policy efforts and to participate in Congressional visits set up by the American Geophysical Union.
I had the opportunity to advocate for science research funding in the upcoming fiscal year on Capitol Hill. Since my work is partially funded by the Department of Energy, I was especially interested in allocations to the DOE Office of Research.
Initially, I was nervous to speak with my representative (Rep. Bera; CA - District 6). What if he didn't care about what I had to say? How could I, out of millions of Californians, make a difference? Once I was in the room, however, all those doubts melted away. As soon as I introduced myself as a constituent of the office and an expert in my field, I felt like my words were heard and taken seriously.
My main takeaway from this experience was that our words *do* matter, and our representatives *want* to hear from us. I highly encourage you, dear reader, to reach out to your local office! You have expertise that nobody else does, and you can use that to make positive, lasting change in your community.
Overall, this was an extremely enlightening opportunity, and I am so excited to see where I take my new science policy skills in the next year!
February 23, 2023
Acceptance into AGU Voices for Science Program
Acceptance into AGU Voices for Science Program
Voices for Science is a program launched by the American Geophysical Union in 2018 that centers around training scientists to address the critical need for communicating the value and impact of Earth and space science to key decision-makers, journalists, and public audiences. The program recruits scientists to participate in one of two tracks: policy or communications. I was one of just 20 students across the county to be selected for the Science Policy Track!
Throughout the twelve-month program, I will work directly with AGU staff to conduct regular outreach activities with a variety of audiences in my local community.
In mid-April, I will be flown out to Washington D.C. to speak directly with my federal representatives and their staff. Stay tuned!
June 3, 2022
LAWR Outstanding Teaching Award
LAWR Outstanding Teaching Award
Today I was honored to recieve the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources' (LAWR) 2022 Distinguished Teaching Award! I truly prioritize building a community within each group of students I have the opportunity to teach.
Some comments from students included that I "always made [them] feel so comfortable, and even excited, to participate in discussion”, “created a space that was welcoming, accepting, and centered around exploring the material”, and “was honestly the best TA [they] have had for any course at Davis.”
May 19, 2022
Henry A. Jastro Scholarship
Henry A. Jastro Scholarship
I have been awarded a Henry A. Jastro Scholarship for outstanding research!
This $3,000 scholarship is awarded to graduate students in recognition of their potential to carry out research related to the mission of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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