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This Week in Science

April 6, 2026 - Week 2

Department Events

Desiree Forsythe headshot

Monday, April 6 | Teaching Truth: How Histories and Science Education Can Embolden Change in the Discipline of Science

3:30-4:30pm • Olin 141 • Biology
In this talk, Dr. Desiree Forsythe, Assistant Professor of Biology, 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. Dr. Forsythe will share how seeking truth, fostering curiosity, and being open to wonder can help create a more ethically grounded science that has the potential to build bridges across differences. More info about Dr. Forsythe's talk.
Farewell Presentation by Psychology Professor Julie Neiworth poster

Thursday, April 9 | Farewell Presentation by Psychology Professor Julie Neiworth

4-5 pm • Olin 149 • Psychology
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 from 5-7pm. Donations can be made to the Peter Guthrie Memorial Endowed Fund for Student-Faculty Research in Psychology. Please specify "Neiworth" in the honor box.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7

  • Physics Table - Check Radiations Newsletter for location, noon-1 pm
    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!
  • Math/Stats Colloquium: "When Surfaces Stretch and Twist: Understanding Mapping Classes" featuring Carolyn Abbott, Brandeis University - Boliou 104, 4-5pm
    The Nielsen-Thurston classification says that for surfaces of finite type, every such symmetry falls into one of three types: periodic, reducible, or pseudo-Anosov. In this talk, we will introduce these ideas through concrete examples and build intuition for how these different behaviors arise.
  • Wednesday, April 8

  • Chemistry Department Seminar: Student Comps Presentation - Olin 149, 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Thursday, April 9

  • Welcome to the Chemistry Major - Anderson 121, noon-1 pm
    Chemistry majors and new majors are invited to join department faculty and staff to do some introductions and provide information that will help new majors get plugged into the Chemistry major. After that, we will have pizza and an opportunity to socialize with junior and senior majors and department faculty and staff. 
  • Geometry Trip to University of Minnesota - 12:30-5pm
    Hop in a van and head to the UMN for lunch, a colloquium talk by Carolyn Abbott titled Hyperbolic Actions of Big Mapping Class Groups, departmental tea, and then a tour of the UMN's math program.
  • Tea & Cookies with Dr. Sanyu Mojola, Professor of Sociology, Public Affairs, and Demographic Studies, Princeton University - SOAN Lounge (Leighton 236), 3:30-4:30pm
    Interested in sociology or public health? Join us for an ask-me-anything conversation with Dr. Mojola. Her mixed methods research examines how societies produce health and illness, with a particular focus on the HIV/AIDS pandemic as it unfolds in various settings such as Kenya, South Africa, and the U.S. 
  • Friday, April 10

  • Chemistry Department Seminar: Student Comps Presentations - Olin 149, 3:30-4:30pm
  • Saturday, April 11

  • Geology Comps Presentations - Olin 149 and Virtual
    Join us to celebrate the culmination of our senior geology majors' research! Our students will be presenting their comps project talks, showcasing their hard work and dedication.
  • Monday, April 13

  • Parasite lost (and found): The genetics and ecology of coevolution between threespine stickleback fish and tapeworm parasites - Olin 141, 3:30-4:30pm
    Join us for a seminar featuring Jesse Weber, Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Parasitic worms infect all vertebrate taxa, but little is known about how the evolution of host immunity and parasite infectivity shape natural infection variation. To fill this knowledge gap, the Weber Lab studies a small fish with abundant ecological and genetic resources, the threespine stickleback, and one of its cestode parasites.
  • STEM Calendar

    Campus Events and Resources 

    Two maize and blue daize staff sit at a table talking to two students standing on the other side of the table

    Thursday, April 9-Tuesday, April 14 | Maize & Blue Daize

    It's time to show your Carleton pride! Maize & Blue Daize is meant to raise awareness of how Carleton alumni, families, and friends of the college enrich the student experience. For students, it's a time to learn about campus offices, engage with the Carleton network, share gratitude, and highlight the many ways to stay connected to campus after graduation.

    Photo: Zachary Spindler-Krage

    Four people in the photo are doing yoga

    Spring Into Wellness at the Rec

    This term's Rec Center programs have something for everyone. Check out the activities by visiting the Mind/Body/Spirit Programs page. Try a class and encourage others to join in the fun, fitness, and fellowship!

    Photo: Theo Stroomer

    Open to the Carleton Community

  • Tuesday, April 7 | Registration opens for Engaging Across Viewpoints: A Conversation with Pete Buttigieg - 12:30pm
    On Tuesday, April 28, former Secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic Party presidential primary candidate Pete Buttigieg will join Carleton President Alison Byerly for a conversation about his extensive political experience, including his recent service at the federal level.
  • Tuesday, April 7 | Sounds Like a Cult: How Cultish Language Shapes Hearts, Minds, and Behavior with Amanda Montell - Weitz 236, 5-7:15pm
    New York Times bestselling author Amanda Montell explains the social science of cult influence and how "cultish" groups, from Scientologists to Sororities, use language as the ultimate form of power.
  • Thursday, April 9 | Multi/Race/Less/Ness: Toward a Responsible Abolishing of Racial Categories - Library Athenaeum, 5-6pm
    Can we truly end racism before we dissolve the notion of race itself, and if we do then what are we left with? In MultiRaceLessNess, Jon Ivan Gill challenges us to take the next step and abolish the very category of race. Jon Ivan Gill is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College. 
  • Friday, April 10 | Coffee with Carls - Sayles Front Patio, 9:15-10:45am
    This is the campus-based branch of the worldwide Coffee with Carls that occurs annually in early April. We have coffee tasting from three local spots as well as tea and small treats. Then, walk together to Convocation.
  • Saturday, April 11 | Tatreez Workshop - Alumni Guest House, 4-7pm
    In this interactive Tatreez workshop, participants are introduced to the rich tradition of Palestinian embroidery through a short slideshow presentation. The presentation explores different Tatreez motifs, explaining their meanings, historical origins, and the cultural significance they hold for Palestinian women and their communities.
  • Sunday, April 12 | Trans Day of Visibility Service - Skinner Memorial Chapel Sanctuary, 5-6pm
    With "Trans Joy" as its theme, this gathering will include music, reflection, art, sharing out, and a whole lot of joy! All are welcome.
  • Monday, April 13 | Major Celebration - Great Hall, 3-4:30pm
    The Class of 2028 is declaring their majors and we're here to celebrate! 
  • Monday, April 13 | A Look at Carleton Today: A Webinar with President Byerly - Virtual, 6:30-7:30pm
    Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring President Alison Bylerly as she reflects on the shifting landscape of academia and Carleton's strategic path forward.
  • Students

  • Thursday, April 9 | Queer Mental Health Collective - Sayles 251, noon-1pm
    Connect with other queer folks over lunch from Tin Tea while creating a queer flag together using a plethora of art supplies!
  • Friday, April 10 | Senior Send-Off #1 - Great Hall, 3-5pm
    The senior class is cordially invited to stop by for information on closing out your campus experience and how to kickstart your time as an alum with your favorite staff, snacks, and door prizes!
  • Friday, April 10 | Sustainability Career Panel - Virtual, 4-5pm
    Log in to hear from a panel of professionals working in sustainability careers. 
  • Faculty and Staff

  • Tuesday, April 7 | LTC Lunch: More Adventures in Teaching Across Disciplinary Divides - Weitz 236, 11:45am-1pm
    Interdisciplinary teaching at Carleton takes many forms. This panel includes our STEM colleagues: MurphyKate Montee, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Mathematics, and Daniel Hernández, Professor of Biology.
  • Tuesday, April 7 | Ed Tech Tea: Google Meet - Features, Tips, and Tricks - Laird 007, 3:30-4:30pm
    Explore Google Meet settings, permissions, scheduling, storage, and accessibility.
  • Thursday, April 9 | Close Reading for the Twenty-First Century Book Group - LTC Library Weitz 146, 3:30 pm
    This volume, which offers not only a strong case for the importance of close textual attention and critical analysis today but also a series of models and practical pedagogical resources for doing and teaching that work, promises to help faculty sharpen the analytic work they are doing in their research and think through strategies for encouraging their students to do the same.
  • Friday, April 10 | The Syllabus is the System: Humanizing Course Design Through Universal Design for Learning - Zoom, 3-4pm
    This event is hosted by the National Institute on Scientific Teaching.
  • Resources

    Jean Schmidt Prize
    The Jean Schmidt Prize was established in memory of Jean Schmidt '73 who died in a bicycle accident four days after her graduation from Carleton. It is awarded annually to a student of the graduating class "who best exemplifies Jean Schmidt's enthusiasm for learning and love of people." Jean Schmidt's greatest interests were in biology and classics; and so traditionally a committee of students and faculty from these two departments read the letters and selects a winner. The nomination deadline is on Tuesday, April 14.
     
    The Stewsie Sustainability Award
    Ever year, The Environmental Advisory Committee awards the Stewsie Sustainability Award to one Carleton student and one Carleton faculty or staff member who made a notable impact on academic and/or operational sustainability efforts at Carleton. The awards are given in memory of Dresdon Blake Stewart (Stewsie) who served the College as superintendent of grounds for more than 50 years. Nominations are due by the second week of April.

    Welcome

    Elliot Steiner
    Elliot Steiner
    Administrative Assistant in Psychology and Neuroscience

    From the Career Center

    All positions are posted on Handshake.

    Northwestern Health Sciences University Tabling 
    Tuesday, April 7, 11:30am-1pm, Sayles-Hill Great Space
    Northwestern Health Sciences University, located in Bloomington, MN, offers 12 academic programs and prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals to not only deliver but also advance healthcare.
     
    Discover SciTech: STEM Internships + Free Pizza 
    Tuesday, April 7, noon-1pm, Anderson 121
    Ready to land a paid STEM internship this summer? Join Piper Cleaveland, SciTech's Internship Program Manager, to learn about how you can be directly connected with hiring managers at small to mid-sized Minnesota companies. These paid internships are available specifically for Carleton sophomores and juniors with declared STEM majors. Whether you are looking for hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, or math, this session will show you exactly how to use the platform to find your match.
     
    How to Find an Internship, Research, or Other Summer Opportunity
    Tuesday, April 7, 5-6pm, Anderson 121
    Participants will learn how to effectively identify their career goals and skills, leverage their personal and professional networks, and utilize online platforms like Handshake to discover and apply for relevant opportunities.
     
    People Incorporated Mental Health Services Tabling
    Wednesday, April 8, 11am-2pm, Sayles Tables
    People Incorporated is the largest nonprofit mental health provider in Minnesota. For over 50 years, they have been a leading community partner, supporting mental health and wellness through collaboration and integration of care. They are hiring for a variety of roles. 
     
    Resume Review Rush
    Wednesday, April 8, 3-5pm, Johnson House
    Receive one-on-one guidance and feedback on your resume or cover letter from a peer coach or a professional career coach at Resume Review Rush. Drop in for a quick, 15-minute review anytime during the event, and we'll guide you through formatting, structure, and highlighting your experiences and skills.
     
    Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Wednesday, April 8
     
    Careers in School Psychology presented by the University of Northern Iowa
    Thursday, April 9, noon-1pm, Virtual
    If you're passionate about mental health and student success, a career in school psychology might be your perfect fit.
     
    Spring Headshot Event
    Monday, April 13, 11:30am-1:30pm, Great Hall
    Get a free high quality professional headshot to improve your LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms! Come dressed professionally. Your photo will be emailed to you two weeks after the event. Please register.

    Kudos

    Ken Abrams, professor of psychology, published an article in the journal Memory & Cognition with Yichen Zhang ’24Emerald Wang ’25Isabel Folger ’24Ben Chamberlain Zivsak ’24Nancy Cullen ’24Ike Smalley ’25Catie Marvin ’24Ashley Ye ’26, and Harrison James ’26, titled, “The impact of virtual reality analog-trauma films and Tetris gameplay duration on intrusive memories.” The study aimed to better understand factors that may help prevent the development of PTSD in individuals recently exposed to traumatic events. 
     
    Grace Leuchtenberger ’21, Mo Armstrong ’23, and Wanying Na ’24 co-authored a paper published by the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B with former Carleton faculty member Mike Nishizaki. “Thermal variability: how realistic temperature fluctuations alter physiological performance in intertidal mussels” highlights research led by Carleton undergraduate participants in the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories REU program. Leuchtenberger, Armstrong, and Na conducted this work as part of an NSF grant that Nishizaki held while at Carleton (Award #OCE-2050129).
     
    Kristin O’Connell ’04, evaluation/education associate for the Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton, and Ellen Iverson, director of SERC, recently published a paper with colleagues on the GEodesy Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI) program, showing how thoughtfully designed, data-rich teaching materials can be widely adopted and useful for faculty. The study, “Design and evaluation of data-rich undergraduate teaching resources that get used: the GETSI approach,” is published in the Journal of Geoscience Education and highlights SERC’s evaluation and research-based materials development process/design as a case-example for others creating disciplinary resources.
     
    Antony Adler '06, lecturer in history, published an article in Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences titled, “Encounters in the Living Ocean: Giant Squid and Human Understanding of the Sea” (April 2026).
     
    Vayu Hill-Maini ’15 was featured by Chemical & Engineering News in a piece titled, “This bioengineer transforms food waste into haute cuisine.” Hill-Maini double-majored in biology and chemistry at Carleton.

    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.