Outreach Activities
I believe it is important that science is accessible to everyone. This means using multiple methods to engage people with our local environment, show how soils are beautiful, diverse and important in our life, and what mining reclamation is. Below are a few examples of outreach activities I have done in the past.
Lectures
Beyond conferences, its important to me to be communicating the results of my research to the communities most impacted by mining. In Arizona, 40% of mines are on or bordering tribal Nations, and my study sites are on the Tohono O’odham Nation, so it is important to me to share my results and process with youth in these communities. Above is from an educational day with students from Ha:san Preparatory & Leadership School, an Indigenous serving high school in the Tucson area.
Soil art
Soils are beautiful in a variety of ways. One outreach activity I’ve done is working with artists to create earth pigment paints, as well as soil textured paints, and having students create a collaborative art pieces. It’s a unique way for students to experience soils and describe our local ecosystem!
Learn more about soil art!
Topics I lecture on:
My career pathway in STEM
My research on mining reclamation in Southern Arizona and environmental justice
Indigenous Data Sovereignty in environmental databases, FAIR & CARE data care protocols
Braiding Knowledge Systems
Science Communication
muffin “mining RECLAMATION” activity
The muffin mining reclamation activity (designed by Kimberely Danney, pictured with me) is a hands on activity where students “mine” for “minerals” to allow them to think deeply about the environmental impact of mining, the associated costs of reclamation, and how important planning is to any reclamation effort.
#SKOrunden series
I’ve organized community trail runs (in partnership with the Tucson Trail Runners and the Tucson Indian Center) for all levels to make trail running accessible to Indigenous runners, while building community with local runners. This also allows people to think and have discussions about the lands we run on, and Indigenous land stewardship practices. O’odham runner Anthony Francisco is pictured above giving a pre-run blessing.
Lydia joins Chris of the OutSCider Classroom series for a lesson on the differences in soil erosion, weathering and deposition, and a fun dance that helps you remember them!