During the past couple of summers, I read quite a few science-themed books and blogged about them here. This summer, I stayed pretty busy with family adventures, a lot of outdoor pursuits, professional development, and other writing projects instead. However, I did find some time to read for pleasure—relaxing with both beach fiction (yay!) and … Continue reading Summer reading 2019
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Summer’s coneflowers
Purple coneflowers. ©Erin Gerecke (own photo) Many years ago, when I was pondering what kinds of flowering plants to put in my first yard, my mother suggested coneflowers, one of her favorites. I was less impressed with them at the time. I thought coneflowers looked spindly and awkward, a gangly, dry sort of plant that … Continue reading Summer’s coneflowers
Science on vacation
Following the end of my academic year back in May, I was fortunate to be able to take a couple of family vacations. In traditional American style, we first loaded up our most fuel-efficient family car and drove a whole day across the country to find an ocean. A few weeks later, we drove in … Continue reading Science on vacation
Phenology and the arrival of spring
I haven't written anything on this blog for awhile. I got busy with work. I had bronchitis. I was also playing music and enjoying some downtime. My priority was completing (and even enjoying?) the many end-of-the-year academic tasks and celebrations that are part of my job and the rhythms of family life. And in the … Continue reading Phenology and the arrival of spring
March highlights: Women in STEM
March is recognized in the United States as Women's History month. Commemorative events and individual tributes are widely celebrated online and in local communities (for a sampling of noteworthy entries, see the website of a collaboration of government agencies institutions here). Women's History Month has revealed the past contributions of women to the enterprise of … Continue reading March highlights: Women in STEM
February science connections
Photos Public Domain [Public domain] February is the shortest month, but to me it often feels like one of the longest. Although the daylight hours start to lengthen, the persistence of the last of winter weather (gray, damp, and cold) leaves me feeling tired rather than energized. February also seems to be one of those … Continue reading February science connections
Goodnight, night lights?
A couple of weeks ago, I was looking for some sort of newsy tidbit about circadian rhythms—the daily cycles that drive much of the physiology and behavior of living things—to share with my class of undergraduate students. My pick was a recent opinion piece by Kevin Gaston—an ecologist and conservation biologist in the UK—called "Lighting … Continue reading Goodnight, night lights?
Reading about scientific writing
I'm gearing up to teach a seminar course for senior undergraduates, starting this week. The course has two main types of activities: a semester-long writing project and oral presentations about scientific findings relating to the course theme. I've already written a bit here about circadian rhythms—the topic I like to use in this course. But … Continue reading Reading about scientific writing
2018: At the intersection of science and ______
Another year is drawing to a close. I'm currently enjoying a break between semesters of teaching, featuring a holiday season spent with family, music, and cookies. I always enjoy this opportunity to retreat from the usual routines and responsibilities and recharge for a fresh start in a new year that waits just around the corner. … Continue reading 2018: At the intersection of science and ______
Scientists who make art
Today marks the start of December! Alongside wrapping up a semester of science classes and grading projects, papers, lab reports, and final exams, I will be out and about, sharing music with audiences in communities near me. About twice a year, schools across the United States frequently offer an array of arts events at the … Continue reading Scientists who make art
Mulled Science 