Short Wave Meet Two MacArthur 'Genius Grant' Scientists
Oct 28, 2019
Meet two innovative scientists tackling ocean and climate challenges from different corners of the globe. One uncovers the history of sea levels through fossil corals, offering insights vital for future generations. The other champions unique conservation efforts in Melanesia, engaging communities with creative outreach like comic books and flash mobs. They both discuss the importance of collaboration in science and their commitment to empowering future environmental stewards. Their journeys showcase the intersection of creativity and scientific advancement.
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Robocall Surprise
- Andrea Dutton almost ignored the MacArthur Fellowship call, thinking it was a robocall.
- It turned out to be a $625,000 award.
CSI Oceanographer
- Andrea Dutton studies past sea levels and ice sheet melt using fossil corals like a CSI investigator.
- She uses isotopic and chemical evidence from rocks.
High Corals, High Seas
- In the Seychelles, Andrea Dutton found fossil corals very high up, indicating a much higher sea level in the past.
- This discovery suggests the Antarctic ice sheet melted, which is concerning for our future.