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This Week in Science

March 30, 2026 - Week 1

Department Events

Distinguished Speaker Program logo

Thursday, April 2 | Human Factors, Computing, & Children

3:30-4:30pm • Anderson 329 • Computer Science
Juan Pablo Hourcade, Professor at the University of Iowa, will discuss human factors that have been involved in changes in the history of computing, making processes more efficient, broadening who can use computers, and expanding the applications of computing. In this talk, Hourcade presents a vision for children's technologies that contrasts with prevailing industry approaches. More information about Hourcade's talk.
Dr. Pierre Lanari

Friday, April 3 | High-speed metamorphism: Do mineral growth rates match the experiments?

3:30-4:30pm • Anderson 123 • Geology
In this Mineralogical Society of America distinguished speaker lecture. Dr. Pierre Lanari will present a case study using data-driven approaches to unravel the evolving conditions and timescales of the specific lower crustal metamorphic reaction. He will show how advances in analytical techniques and the development of user-friendly software for big data analysis are crucial to answering the long-standing questions of the rates of metamorphic processes in natural systems. More about Lanari's talk.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31

  • Physics Table - Ground State (AND 020), noon-1 pm
    Welcome to spring! If you have any sort of interest in Physics or Astronomy, come join other folks who are, and enjoy a community lunch! If you're off board or on a limited plan, let the cashier know you're there for Physics Table and we'll treat you to lunch!
  • Thursday, April 2

  • Chemistry Periodic Table - Anderson, Mohrig student gathering space, noon-1pm
    If you are off board, the department will cover your lunch. Go to the Schulze Cafe in the Daugherty Atrium and ask for the chemistry charge. Any questions, contact Danielle Morisette.
  • Friday, April 3

  • Goodsell Observatory Open House - 8:30-10:30pm
    Resident astronomers and astronomy students will be on hand to facilitate viewing of the sky and galactic objects we can see from our location, using historical and modern telescopes. Be sure to dress for the weather!
  • Monday, April 6

  • Teaching Truth: How Histories and Science Education Can Embolden Change in the Discipline of Science - Olin 141, 3:30-4:30pm
    In this talk, Dr. Desiree Forsythe, Assistant Professor of Biology at Santa Clara University, will make an argument on the importance of teaching the history of science alongside the "typical" science content to bring about radical change within the science discipline.
  • Thursday, April 9

  • Farewell Distinguished Faculty Lecture by Psychology Professor Julie Neiworth - Olin 149, 4-5 pm
    Please join us live or through Zoom to celebrate the upcoming retirement of Julie Neiworth, Laurence McKinley Gould Professor of Natural Sciences and Psychology. She will discuss "What it's like to be human: The study of birds, monkeys, dogs, octopus, ants, and humans by a comparative psychologist and her students!" A reception follows the presentation in the Anderson atrium with light appetizers. Donations can be made to the Peter Guthrie Memorial Endowed Fund for Student-Faculty Research in Psychology. Please specify "Neiworth" in the honor box.
  • STEM Calendar

    Kolenkow-Reitz Fellowship 

    Tuesday, March 31 | Application Deadline

    Emily Muenzer discusses her poster display about her Kolenkow-Reitz funded research experience
    Carleton students are invited to apply for the Kolenkow-Reitz Fellowship. This opportunity is for students to engage in summer research with non-Carleton math and science faculty. Full-time research experiences will be funded at $580 per week for up to 10 weeks. Additional funding up to $550 is available for travel and research supplies.
     
    Read about student research experiences to see how the Kolenkow-Reitz Fellowship has helped our scholars pursue high-level projects around the globe.

    Pictured: Emily Muenzer '26

    Campus Events and Resources 

    People are gathered around tables in a workshop painting

    Saturday, April 4 | Illumination Workshop with Artist Behnaz Karjoo

    1-4pm • Weitz 236 • Perlman Teaching Museum
    Participants will explore the traditional Persian and Islamic art of tazhib (illumination) with artist Behnaz Karjoo, who holds an ijazah, meaning formal permission to teach this centuries-old practice. This workshop is free, but please register to attend.

    Open to the Carleton Community

  • Thursday, April 2 | Meeting on student progress and retention - Weitz 236, noon-1pm
    The Division of Inclusion, Equity, and Community will host an open meeting to discuss institutional data and qualitative research findings about retention, graduation rates, and underlying student experiences.
  • Friday, April 3 | Kufic Calligraphy Workshop with Artist Behnaz Karjoo - Weitz 236, 4-7pm
    Participants will be introduced to Arabic Kufic calligraphy and practice writing in the script. 
  • Students

  • Monday, March 30 | Application Deadline: Nancy Wilkie Fellowship for Archaeological Field Experience
    This fellowship supports attendance at a field school or other archaeological field site for one to two students per summer. 
  • Thursday, April 2 | CyberAmbassadors Program: Leadership - Virtual, noon-3pm
    This free interactive workshop offers opportunities to practice professional skills in the context of multidisciplinary research for STEM students. 
  • Monday, April 6 | Student Financial Literacy Series: Investing 101 - Olin 141, 5:45-7pm
    Led by the investment team that manages Carleton's endowment, students will engage in an introductory discussion on financial risk and return, compounding capital, asset allocation, and security selection. 
  • Faculty and Staff

  • Tuesday, March 31 | Brave Together: Healing-Centered Allyship When Values are Tested  - AGH 114, 2-4pm
    This session addresses the emotional labor and tension that arise when instituional roles conflict with personal and professional values. Participants will engage in healing-centered reflection and develop strategies for resilience and radical allyship. This session will also be held on April 1.
  • Thursday, April 2 | Writing Beyond the Academy: An Introduction to Trade Publishing for Senior Scholars - Virtual, noon-1pm
    Scholars are frequently called upon to share their expertise with a diverse range of publics outside academia and this kind of engagement often begins with the publication of a book with a "trade press." There is often confusion about where to begin, and a lack of resources to help with the process. This info session is designed to demystify the process. Also, attend to learn more about the three-day Scholars to Storytellers retreat being held in Northfield in June 2026.

  • Student Opportunities

    Mathematics & Statistics Department

    The Mathematics & Statistics Department is hiring for a variety of positions for the 2026-27 academic year, including: graders, teaching assistants, prefects, social event coordinator, math/stat office assistant, and MAST Messenger editor. Apply for the Math & Stat Department positions here by 11:59pm on Sunday, April 5.

    Academic Skills, Language Center, Math/Stats Skills, QRC

    Interested in working as an academic skills coach, writing consultant, prefect, Language Center assistant, or tutor in 2026–2027? Applications for the Academic Skills Center, Language Center, Math/Stats Skills Center, and Quantitative Resource Center are now open and will close on Sunday, April 5 at 11:59 p.m. Please drop by the Career Center or the Writing Center for application assistance.

    Center for Community and Civic Engagement

    The Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) is hiring fellows for the 2026-2027 academic year. To apply, complete the application form and email a resume to Danielle Trajano. Apply by midnight on Sunday, April 5 to receive priority consideration. 
     
    Fellows participate in a weeklong training before the start of fall term and ongoing training/reflections throughout the year. Fellows work weekly office hours in the CCCE, attend bi-weekly fellows staff meetings, meet regularly with their supervisor and cohort, and contribute to the community environment in the CCCE. Due to these various obligations, we will prioritize candidates who can work 7 hours or more a week. Students with Spanish, Somali, or other language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.  
     
    What do Fellows do?
     
    Fellows promote community and civic engagement on and off campus, coordinate volunteer programs, and lead projects and initiatives related to one of the following cohort focus areas:
    • Academic Civic Engagement
    • Education Equity
    • Food and Environmental Justice
    • Health and Belonging
    • Peace, Conflict, and Democracy

    From the Career Center

    All positions are posted on Handshake.

    Solve Problems that Matter: Epic Information Session
    Tuesday, March 31, noon-1pm, Virtual
    Epic hires smart and motivated people from all academic majors to code, test, and implement healthcare software that hundreds of millions of patients and doctors rely on to improve care and ultimately save lives around the globe.
     
    MEDITECH 1:1 Career Strategy & Resume Review
    Tuesday, March 31, 1-3pm
    Get direct access to AR Plano, a led recruiter at MEDITECH. AR isn't just a recruiter, they are a strategic advisor to hiring teams across software development, implementation, and customer service.
    Wednesday, April 1, 4:30-5:30pm, Alumni Guest House Meeting Room
    The Career Center staff will cover the range of interview types and practice proven strategies to prepare for and respond to the most common interview questions.

    Writing Resumes that Work for You
    Thursday, April 2, noon-1pm, Alumni Guest House Meeting Room
    This comprehensive workshop provides you with the essential skills and understanding needed to create or improve your resume to be both professional and effective. Learn best practices for formatting, structuring, and articulating your skills and experiences in a clear and compelling manner.
    Thursday, April 2, 1-3pm, Career Center, Johnson House
    Receive one-on-one guidance and feedback on your resume and cover letter. Drop in for a quick, 15-minute review anytime during the event, and they'll guide you through formatting, structure, and highlighting your experiences and skills.

    Kudos

    Vivian Agugo ’26, Katelyn Harder ’26, and Ben Schneider ’25 presented a poster at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology conference in Chicago. Their presentation was titled, "You're not alone: Barriers to studying diverse participants in relationship science" and focused on a project they conducted with Emma McGorray, assistant professor of psychology.
     
    Devavani Chatterjea, program director and professor of environmental studies, published a letter to the editor in MinnPost titled, "Expanding nuclear power production while cutting safety protocols is a recipe for disaster." Read more about Chatterjea's letter to the editor.

    Visit Carleton Integrated Math and Science for additional news and research opportunities in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, Mathematics & Statistics, Neuroscience, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology.

    This Week in Science is produced by the Center for Integrated Math and Science. For questions about the newsletter, please contact Kari McMartin.