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Kate Leary

@astoldbywater.bsky.social
577 followers 303 following 7 posts

Fluvial Geomorphologist | D&D enthusiast | Lover of rocks & rivers & this beautiful blue planet we call home | Breast Cancer Survivor | she/her 🌈 | Opinions are my own

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Reposted by Kate Leary
CSDMS @csdms.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Earth Surface Processes, Idaho State University. Apply by 22 October. See also: csdms.colorado.edu/wiki/Jobs
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
@aabria.bsky.social is that spider in your dice tray Task?!?!?!
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Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 07/05/2025
Bleak. nymag.com/intelligence...
Text from article:

It’ll be years before we can fully account for what all of this is doing to students’ brains. Some early research shows that when students off-load cognitive duties onto chatbots, their capacity for memory, problem-solving, and creativity could suffer. Multiple studies published within the past year have linked AI usage with a deterioration in critical-thinking skills; one found the effect to be more pronounced in younger participants. In February, Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University published a study that found a person’s confidence in generative AI correlates with reduced critical-thinking effort. The net effect seems, if not quite Wall-E, at least a dramatic reorganization of a person’s efforts and abilities, away from high-effort inquiry and fact-gathering and toward integration and verification. This is all especially unnerving if you add in the reality that AI is imperfect — it might rely on something that is factually inaccurate or just make something up entirely — with the ruinous effect social media has had on Gen Z’s ability to tell fact from fiction. The problem may be much larger than generative AI. The so-called Flynn effect refers to the consistent rise in IQ scores from generation to generation going back to at least the 1930s. That rise started to slow, and in some cases reverse, around 2006. “The greatest worry in these times of generative AI is not that it may compromise human creativity or intelligence,” Robert Sternberg, a psychology professor at Cornell University, told The Guardian, “but that it already has.”

(Katie's added note: the sentences about reorganization of abilities and telling fact from fiction have been highlighted.)
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Any geoscience/hydrology-oriented scientific illustrators out there? I have funding to help me build water resources educational content for the citizens of New Mexico! DM me if interested!
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Dr. Robin Bond, biogeochemist at a PUI 🧪 @diygeochemist.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Previously I mentioned a couple of ways I could harden my house against wildfire (fiber cement siding, metal roof). Here's an article describing how that all works. www.kqed.org/science/1941...
kqed.org
This California Neighborhood Was Built to Survive a Wildfire. And It Worked | KQED
As the 2007 Witch Fire engulfed the small town of Rancho Santa Fe in flames, some neighborhoods managed to escape burning. How did they do it?
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Kelsey McKinney @mckinneykelsey.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
"I don't think it should be acceptable that people's lives will be mangled like this. I know conditions will only get worse, but that doesn't mean the way we deal with them will also have to degrade alongside them." @redford.bsky.social defector.com/the-future-o...
defector.com
The Future Of Fire Cannot Look Like Its Present | Defector
Los Angeles is burning. At least two people are dead and more than 80,000 people have evacuated their homes. The images and videos of the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst Fires, each of which is currently ...
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Dr. Judith Hubbard @judithgeology.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
A M7.1 earthquake just occurred in the Tibetan plateau, NE of Nepal. A normal-mechanism event - accommodating east-west extension of the plateau. A significant event, but hopefully impacts will be mitigated by the remoteness of the location. earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/...
earthquake.usgs.gov
The Earthquake Event Page application supports most recent browsers, view supported browsers. Or, try our Real-time Notifications, Feeds, and Web Services.
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Ryan J Hollister @phaneritic.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Finally the Merced drying two years ago is getting a bit of press. TLDR… users took too much water, but were within legal rights to do so. And there’s a lack of data to help inform changes. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
sfchronicle.com
California’s Merced River dried up below Yosemite. Reason was mystery until now
The Merced River in the Central Valley stopped flowing two years ago, and California water regulators have finally figured out why. But there’s no easy fix.
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Kendra "Gloom is My Beat" Pierre-Louis @kendrawrites.com · 20/12/2024
Nice drinking water you got there, if you can keep it. My story about how water (drinking and waste water) are losing workers right when because of climate change we need them most. Gift link.
bloomberg.com
America’s Next Water Crisis? A Lack of Experienced Workers
Climate change and aging infrastructure already threaten to disrupt drinking water supplies. A shrinking workforce risks making the problem worse.
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Laura Lautz @llautz.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Interested in learning about the new science programs in NSF's Division of Earth Sciences? including the Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes (WaLCZ) program? Check out the webpage, which includes information on how to register for tomorrow's WaLCZ webinar: new.nsf.gov/geo/updates/...
new.nsf.gov
Realigning the NSF Division of Earth Sciences
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AGU Water Quality Technical Committee @aguwaterquality.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Announcing the second of five AGU Water Quality Technical Commitee Haiku Your Research Winner for #AGU24! *José Uchôa* at the University of São Paulo.
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AGU Water Quality Technical Committee @aguwaterquality.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Announcing the first of five AGU Water Quality Technical Commitee Haiku Your Research Winner for #AGU24! *Lauren Magliozzi* at University of Colorado Boulder.
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Peter Gleick @petergleick.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
Is science political? Should scientists advocate? How should we do science communication when pseudoscience and anti-science are official government practices? Come hear my Stephen Schneider Memorial Lecture at AGU's annual convention in Washington, Wednesday Dec. 11. 2pm.
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Ian James @ianjames.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Breaking: The board of California’s largest urban water supplier has voted to spend $141.6 million for a large share of preliminary planning work on the state's proposed water tunnel in the Delta. www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
California water agency votes to spend $141 million on Delta tunnel project
Gov. Gavin Newsom is promoting a $20 billion plan for a water tunnel. The Metropolitan Water District’s board voted to spend $141 million for initial costs.
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AGU EPSP @aguepsp.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
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AGU EPSP @aguepsp.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Get ready for all our great sessions at #AGU24 this week! #EPSPatAGU24 #AGWOO
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
To come up with the name "Operation: Italy" and not make the obvious leap to THE ITALIAN JOB is driving me insane. #Survivor47
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Dr. Wendy Bohon @drwendyrocks.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Looking to break in to #scicomm? Here are some tips! wendybohon.com/2022/03/30/b...
wendybohon.com
Breaking in to SciComm
When it comes to getting jobs in research, we need educational credentials; for jobs in science communication, we need to demonstrate experience.
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Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
A couple of follow-ups re: today's California #quakes: 1) There was actually only one significant quake as of 1pm PT--the M7.0 SW of Eureka. The far northern Sonoma County quake was actually ~M4.1 but initially registered higher due to conflicting data. [1/3]
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Celeste Labedz @celestelabedz.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
I'm not even going to #AGU24, but I'm still saying things like "wow I can't believe AGU is next week already" because that's just how geoscientists measure time.
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Chris Hackney @drchrishackney.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
New #microplastics paper alert. Led by the awesome Dr Freija Mendrik, from her PhD work, we show that 86 % of microplastics are transported below the water surface. For representative samples, sample at 0.5-0.6 of the depth www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
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Faith Kearns, Ph.D. @fkearns.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
The print version of my book Getting to the Heart of Science Communication is half price from @islandpress.bsky.social right now, along with so many fantastic other titles! islandpress.org/books/gettin...
islandpress.org
Getting to the Heart of Science Communication
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Dr Dan Shugar 🇨🇦 @watershedlab.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Science is better because you’re part of it. Happy LGBTQIA+ in STEM day! #QueerInSTEM #PolarPride
Pie chart showing that everyone is welcome in science
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
Any geoscience/hydrology scientific illustrators out there? Might have funding to help me build educational content for the citizens of New Mexico all about water resources! DM me if interested!
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CSDMS @csdms.bsky.social · 12/11/2024
Tenure-track Coastal Processes hire at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Apply by 31 December. See also: csdms.colorado.edu/wiki/Jobs
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Paige S Becker, Ph.D. @paigeinabook.bsky.social · 11/11/2024
Navigating Academic Waters: Giving Back and Providing Service as a student and early career hydrologist is happening Thursday! NOV 14 / 1 PM ET Panelists will discuss types of service opportunities that are a good fit for student and early-career researchers! us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Lina Polvi Sjöberg @fluvialsweden.bsky.social · 11/11/2024
I started a ‘fluvial geomorphology & related river science’ starter pack for those of you joining us at Bluesky &and those wanting to build the community! Let me know if you want to be added— I’m sure I’ve missed lots of people. go.bsky.app/S5RPXHk
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NPR @npr.org · 03/10/2024
Tropical storm Helene caused 'catastrophic' damage to Asheville’s water treatment and distribution system, cutting off at least 70% of the city’s drinking water supply.
npr.org
In Asheville, N.C., many residents may be without drinking water for weeks
Tropical storm Helene caused 'catastrophic' damage to Asheville’s water treatment and distribution system, cutting off at least 70% of the city’s drinking water supply.
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Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 17/09/2024
Scientists: SciLine from AAAS is offering free workshops on how to share your knowledge with journalists for election-related stories www.sciline.org/learn/naviga...
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
Any geoscience/hydrology scientific illustrators out there? Might have funding to help me build educational content for the citizens of New Mexico all about water resources! DM me if interested!
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Reposted by Kate Leary
Ryan J Hollister @phaneritic.bsky.social · 28/08/2024
I'm gonna throw some love at the band the Amoeba People in hopes that you'll find their geo-themed material just as fun and educational as I do. They have an entire album called the Fossil Record and their song "Girl Talk - The Story of Marie Tharp" is excellent. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuug...
youtube.com
Girl Talk (The Story of Marie Tharp)
YouTube video by The Amoeba People
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Lejo Flores, Ph.D. @hydrolejo.bsky.social · 12/06/2024
Postdoc opportunity coming soon! Later this summer I'll be recruiting a 2yr postdoc to do snowmelt modeling and fieldwork in the beautiful Henry's Fork River watershed. Start date is after 10/01/24. Details to come, but reach out to me if interested or know someone who would be! #Hydrology
The Henry's Fork River at sunrise. Picture available under the Creative Commons license from https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlund/1272891993
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Randall Munroe @xkcd.com · 27/03/2024
Cursive Letters xkcd.com/2912
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Emilio Grande @egrandehydro.bsky.social · 26/02/2024
Are you working on hydrological processes or stream biochemistry? Interested in intermittent streams? Join our workshop! www.geographie.uni-bonn.de/de/hydrology...
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Lauren Magliozzi, PhD 💧 @limnologylauren.bsky.social · 03/01/2024
Women Advancing River Research 2024 Lecture Series has free webinars the 3rd Thursday of every month! 💧🌊 Hear from leading female researchers on the latest innovations & discoveries in river science. Register here for all talks: psu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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Henning @geohenning.bsky.social · 18/12/2023
First ever issue of @sedimentologika.bsky.social is out. You can read it here: 🧪 Geology ⚒️ oap.unige.ch/journals/sdk...
oap.unige.ch
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023) | Sedimentologika
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Robert Mahon @bedform.org · 15/12/2023
This is definitely how some places teach geology. There’s this notion that geology has to be what it was 50 years ago because that’s what I had to learn. The need for earth science has evolved tremendously, weird that some places the education of it has not.
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Roberto Fernández (he/él) 🇨🇷 @icemeanders.bsky.social · 15/12/2023
Very cool #FlumeFriday
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Joel Scheingross @jscheingross.bsky.social · 04/12/2023
Anyone interested in volunteering with AGU EPSP? We have several openings on committees and are especially looking for folks to help us with social media. Come chat with me at AGU next week, or DM or email me for more info. connect.agu.org/epsp/about/c...
connect.agu.org
Committees - Earth & Planetary Surface Processes
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Gerard Rocher-Ros @grocherros.bsky.social · 10/10/2023
This article by E. Freund and others is the coolest work I've seen in a while. They show how groundwater inputs determine the shape of river networks! agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 11/10/2023
I've started not caring how many exclamation marks I use in emails and it is *liberating*
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Dr. Emily Fairfax @emilyfairfax.bsky.social · 09/10/2023
My department is searching for a Postdoctoral Fellow that will convert to a tenure-track Assistant Professor job after 1-2 years! Do you use eDNA? Or remote sensing? Or modeling? Or field work? Do you study environmental science? Or paleoclimate? Or BEAVERS? Our search is broad! Apply!
PRESIDENT'S
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
We are seeking applications for a
President's Postdoctoral Fellow to
begin in Fall 2024.
This position will have the option to
convert to a tenure-track line after 1-2
years, assuming the fellow makes
satisfactory progress.
Applications due Nov 30, 2023.

PAY: $65,000 per year, renewable up to 2 years
BENEFITS: standard UMN employee options for health insurance,
retirement contributions, family leave, etc.
ADVISOR: you can choose from any of the physical geography
faculty members: Dr. Kathy Klink, Dr. Kurt Kipfmueller, Dr. Dan
Griffin, or Dr. Emily Fairfax
INCENTIVES: reimbursed moving expenses, private office and
access to lab space provided, small annual research fund
AREAS OF INTEREST: disturbance ecology, dendrochronology,
hydrology, river restoration, remote sensing, eDNA, climate change,
atmospheric science, paleoclimate, biogeography, and more!
MORE INFO: bit.ly/PPFP_GEOG
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Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 29/09/2023
Cool cool cool a "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse is coming October 14, and the entire continental US will experience at least a partial eclipse. Here's how to watch it, from @philplait.bsky.social 🧪 scientificamerican.com/article/how-...
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Alka Tripathy-Lang @dralkatrip.bsky.social · 28/09/2023
What can dead trees tell us about earthquakes? Quite a lot, as it turns out. 🧪⚒️
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Adam Forte @topoismyforte.bsky.social · 26/09/2023
Are you a geophysicist looking for a job? Are you okay with living swamp adjacent? Well, think about applying for the Assistant Professor position in Geophysics here at LSU! This is a pretty broad call that targets basically any kind of geophysics.
lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
Geophysics Assistant Professor
All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progre...
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Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 25/09/2023
In the U.S., you can order four free COVID tests here starting today: special.usps.com/testkits (which also has info on updated expiration dates for older tests) 🧪
special.usps.com
COVID Home Tests | USPS
COVID Home Tests | USPS
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ryan cooper @ryanlcooper.com · 14/09/2023
awful www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/w...
nytimes.com
Libyan Flood Survivor Recounts Horror After Dams Burst
“We walked out barefoot and saw our friends and neighbors dying,” said a woman from the hard-hit city of Derna. More than 5,000 are reported dead and 10,000 more are believed to be missing.
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Terry McGlynn @hormiga.bsky.social · 13/09/2023
Sure, women are growing in representation among undergrads and grad students. But then there's this. Fig by Rissler et al 2020. The research by social scientists has shown that this isn't a passive filter. It's caused by harassment, discrimination, and overt bias. academic.oup.com/bioscience/a...
A figure showing the proportion of women at assistant, associate, and full professor rank among grant submissions at NSF. Men are way overrepresented and the disparity grows at each career stage.
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Kate Leary @astoldbywater.bsky.social · 12/09/2023
Finally made it over here! Sad there aren't gifs here yet...
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