Elizabeth Davis
Lecturer in Environmental Studies and Geosciences
Research Interests: Earth Surface Processes, Paleoclimate, Ice Sheet History, Sedimentary Provenance Studies
I am broadly interested in the applications of geochemistry and sedimentological studies to study Earth’s past climate change, with a particular interest in Antarctica’s ice sheet history. My research applies geochronology and radiogenic isotopes in minerals and bulk sediments to constrain the subglacial geology of Antarctica and then uses this geological information to tag paleo-iceberg discharges from the Antarctic Ice Sheet. My work is a combination of a more precise documentation of Antarctica’s geological history, and the subsequent application of this knowledge to understanding past changes in the Antarctic Ice sheet. I encourage any students who are interested in gaining some research experience in this area to contact me!
As a member of both the Environmental Studies and Geosciences Departments, I teach a variety of courses and am passionate about introducing students to earth and environmental processes that occur on a wide range of scales. I am particularly interested in teaching introductory courses for both majors, as well as courses that focus on climate change (past and present) and the Earth’s oceans. Regardless of the topic, my courses take a systems based approach and focus on science literacy and communication, learning through data, problem solving, group collaborations, and developing a strong understanding of how we interact with earth and environmental processes, and how these processes impact our daily lives.
Outside of research and teaching, I am committed to developing and providing engaging and exciting opportunities for K-12 students to learn about earth and environmental science.
Education
- B.A., Williams College
- M.A., Columbia University in the City of New York
- M.Phil, Columbia University in the City of New York
- Ph.D., Columbia University in the City of New York
Current and upcoming courses
Introduction to Environmental Science & Systems
ES100
This course introduces environmental science through the lens of systems thinking. Given the staggering level of complexity found around us, a powerful approach in science is to simplify complex systems into key components that influence processes and provide predictive power. But how do we choose which factors to focus on? How disconnected are causes and effects? Although not a laboratory course, students will actively engage in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of systems ranging from energy in ecosystems to environmental toxins and human health. (Note that students may enroll in either ES 100 or ES 101, but not both.)
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Oceanography
GEOS208
The Earth is an ocean planet. Covering 71 percent of the Earth's surface and holding 97 percent of the Earth's water, the oceans are perhaps our planet's most distinctive feature. This course will address fundamental questions about the oceans such as, why do we have oceans and ocean basins? Why do we have ocean currents? How have the interactions among physical, chemical, and biological processes produced the ocean we have today? Why should we strive to learn more about the oceans, and what are the links between the oceans and Earth's climate? In-class exercises, case studies, and data analysis will emphasize fundamental oceanographic processes and problem solving skills. A mandatory field trip to the coast will allow students to explore coastal processes in action.