Nancy Weinheimer
Tell us about yourself: *
Hello! My name is Nancy Weinheimer and I grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania. I attended Penn State University for my undergraduate degree in Geosciences, and I am currently transitioning to the Geology and Geophysics program at the University of Wyoming to earn a Master’s degree starting this fall.
What is your research about? *
Throughout my undergrad, I worked on several different projects that primarily explored geochemistry and geomorphology topics. Heading into my Master’s, I am planning to focus on learning more about feedbacks in the deep critical zone. Toward this, I aim to contribute my geochemical and geomorphic perspective to the multidisciplinary team, the Bedrock Critical Zone Network, which is dedicated to understanding more about how weathered bedrock in the deep critical zone interacts with watershed hydrology, ecosystem resilience, and erosion.
What excites you about your research? *
While I find processes in the Critical Zone fascinating in general, I am very excited about collaborating with a diverse group of researchers across the country to examine widely studied critical zone processes through a unique lens. I am also looking forward to the comprehensive outreach component of this project, which focuses on communicating results to the public and developing educational programming for students.
What broader importance does your research have for society? *
As its name suggest, the Critical Zone includes all parts of land that are crucial to sustain life.
Understanding processes in the CZ is imperative to our ability to adapt and address threats and
disturbances, such as ecosystem responses to droughts. My work will focus on processes in the deeper parts of the CZ, which little is known about at present. Insight gained from this research can help inform water and resource management for the development of sustainable systems.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science? *
My older sister is the first person to introduce me to thinking about Earth Science when she shared her passion for protecting the environment in high school. Heading into undergrad, I knew I wanted to study science and pursue a career that would help the human relationship with nature, and I was lucky to have an adviser in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State direct me toward Geosciences. Ever since taking my first physical geology class, I have been captivated to learn more, pursue research projects, go on field trips, and share what I’ve learned with others. My roommates constantly badger me for “talking about rocks” all the time :)
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc? *
Right now, I am taking it step by step and starting a Master’s after just finishing my undergrad. I will see where it takes me, but for a long time I’ve envisioned myself potentially working at a government agency or non-profit organization focused on land and resource management.
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue? *
With unlimited funding and resources, I would like to develop more efficient systems for implementing scientific findings and recommendations into policy and practice. I am passionate about seeking knowledge and advancing what we understand about the natural world, but I am also really enthusiastic about making sure the broader impacts and goals of Earth Science research come to fruition.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work? *
In my free time, I love to play outside! I’m a huge outdoor enthusiast and love to go hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, climbing, skiing – you name it!