Science Distilled, a new lecture series created by DRI and The Discovery, makes cutting-edge science approachable through presentations on current and curious topics held at hip locations in a social atmosphere.
How snow impacts life, from the forest to the microbes.
“When snow falls, nature listens.” Antoinette van Kleffe may have been speaking more literally than figuratively when she penned this quote. At this Science Distilled, DRI researchers Kelly Gleason and Alison Murray will share perspectives from the ecosystem on the glistening white stuff. You’ll hear stories of how snow impacts everything from forest fires, to microbial life, and even citizen scientists involved in snow research!
Kelly Gleason, PhD, will share her research on the impact of forest fires on snowpack, and the feedback of snowpack levels on cycles of forest fire. She’ll also talk about her work in snow hydrology and how impurities in snow from burned areas affect melt patterns.
Alison Murray, PhD was invited to France to give a research presentation on her work, so she can’t be at this event. In her place, Zoe Harrold, PhD will be our second featured speaker. Zoe will share research on the fascinating ecosystems that harbor snow algae, which thrive in both seasonal and year-round snow, including throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her work is focused on understanding how these organisms thrive in systems with very few nutrients.
Time: Doors open at 7:00pm, presentation begins at 7:30pm
Location: Patagonia Outlet, 130 S. Center Street, Reno
Kelly Gleason, PhD
Kelly’s research focuses on the interactions between the water cycle, our climate, and the ecosystem in the context of a changing climate. Kelly focuses on how disturbances, such as forest fire or drought, alter these interconnected relationships. Her current project explores the impact of impurities on the snow (such as dust, black carbon, and burned woody debris) on snow hydrology and water resources.
Zoe Harrold, PhD
Zoe is a postdoctoral researcher who was brought into Alison’s lab to lead DRI’s work on microbial nano-motion, which is a pioneering new field helping to illuminate ways to detect possible life beyond Earth’s surface. While Alison will not be there in person, we will be showing an interview with her discussing her leadership as the co-chair of the NASA-led Europa Lander Science Definition Team.
