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Earlier this month University of Maine doctoral student in geology and earth sciences Leigh Stearns presented details of her graduate research at the International Astronautical Congress in Valencia, Spain. Stearns was one of ten graduate students from across the country chosen to represent NASA at the four-day conference, which brings together space exploration organizations and scientists under the umbrella of the International Astronautical Federation to discuss space-related research and technology.
NASA provides funding for Stearns’ research, which uses their satellites to map and analyze changes in glacial dynamics in Greenland and Antarctica.
“We’ve learned over the past few years that glaciers can change at a much faster rate than previously thought,” Stearns said. “Sea level rise projections don’t have detailed measurements on what component of the rise is due to changes in Antarctica and Greenland, as well as the contribution from these large ice sheets. I think it was an eye-opener for people at the talks to see how rapidly these changes are taking place.”
Stearns spent most of her time at the conference, but was able to visit around Valencia, talk a little with the other invitees and meet with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin.
“It was a terrific place to have a meeting,” Stearns said. “I had a lot of fun, and it was interesting for me to see the debates going on in different fields. Unfortunately for earth science, the focus was more on manned space missions. I was more excited about meeting NASA administrators and talking to researchers about technologies or techniques that would improve our ability to study the earth.”
Outside of her research, Stearns participates in the GK-12 Teaching Fellows Program at the University of Maine. As a part of the program, she taught earth science to sixth and ninth graders at local public schools, including taking them on field trips to Sand Beach and Schoodic Point.
“I enjoy interacting with kids. They have a good sense of humor about science, they’re interested and curious about everything,” Stearns said. “Not many school teachers will teach about glaciers and geology. It’s so neat for kids to be able to go outside and see something and know why it’s there.”
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