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Dr. Wendy Bohrson is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Director of the Science Talent Expansion Program at Central Washington University. She received her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles. Afterward, Wendy accepted a University of California Office of the President Postdoctoral Fellowship and a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. She was also employed in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a researcher and lecturer before joining the faculty at Central Washington University. Wendy is with us today to tell us all about her journey through life and science.
People Behind the Science Podcast Show Notes
Life Outside of Science
Wendy and her husband live in a small town and love to go outdoors. In addition to bicycling, hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband, she likes to spend her weekends cooking, eating, exercising, reading mystery novels, and watching old movies.
The Scientific Side
Scientifically, Wendy is dedicated to understand how volcanoes work. Her lab studies how the composition of magma (liquid rock) changes inside magma chambers inside a volcano. This is important because the magma composition influences characteristics of the eruption style of a volcano.
A Dose of Motivation
“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try, try and try. You’ll succeed at last.” Lyrics from a Jimmy Cliff song
What Got You Hooked on Science?
Back in sixth grade, Wendy had a fantastic and enthusiastic teacher who really sparked her interest in science. She remembers learning about marine geology and staring in wonder at a map of the ocean floor, complete with ridges and volcanoes that she had never known existed down there.
The Low Points: Failures and Challenges
A major challenge for Wendy came in the form of a computer program she was working on to simulate what occurs in magma chambers. Just when she and her mentor Frank thought they had it all figured out, they realized there were serious issues with some of the math. After many food-deprived Friday afternoons at a white board, they were close to giving up, but it’s a good thing they stuck with it just a little longer!
A Shining Success!
One of Wendy’s exciting successes involved a different computer program she tackled during a sabbatical. She spent 10-12 hours per day working out some of the issues with the help of her colleagues, and they have just published a paper on this program. It has been rewarding to use the programs scientifically to understand volcanoes, but there are also promising applications too for helping to mitigate some of the tragedies that occur when volcanoes erupt unpredictably.
Book Recommendations
A Universe from Nothing by Lawrence Krauss, any book by Arthur Conan Doyle, any book by Agatha Christie
Most Treasured Travel
One phenomenal experience Wendy will never forget was being present for volcanic eruptions of Kilauea and Mauna Loa during her time working for the U.S. Geological Survey. Not only was she able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hawaii, but she was on the ground studying active lava flows there!
Quirky Traditions and Funny Memories
Wendy has met and worked with many wonderful scientists who have diverse interests outside of science, including growing orchids, playing percussion, and cycling. Along these lines, Wendy has a passion for baking, especially chocolate chip cookies.
Advice For Us All
Never give up and never give in. Also never ask anyone to do anything that you wouldn’t do yourself.
Guest Bio
Wendy Bohrson is a Colorado native who grew up outside New York City. She attended Stanford University and received degrees in geology and biology. After finishing her undergraduate education, her interest in volcanoes led her to the US Geological Survey, where for 4 years she had the good fortune to work on projects on the Big Island of Hawaii. These wonderful experiences led her to pursue a PhD in geology at UCLA. She then moved to the University of California, Santa Barbara where she was a post-doctoral researcher. Wendy has been on the faculty at Central Washington University for the last 15 years, and with her students and collaborators, studies the compositional evolution of magmas that erupt at young volcanoes. Because of her research interests and passion for travel, she has spent time in Africa, South America, Antarctica, and Europe. In her spare time, she reads mysteries, bakes, and tries to keep up with her very athletic geologist-husband.