Ally Peccia, a fourth-year PhD candidate at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Colombia, studies the origins of volcanic gases and the interactions between volcanoes and climate. Peccia also worked to blend her passion for science and art with unique initiatives, including creating a “site guide” with scientists at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, focusing on volcano-related works, and helping organize Lamont’s “Study as Art” The event last fall. Peccia often combines volcanic themes and materials in its own ceramic practice.
In the Q&A below, PECCIA reflects on her lifelong love for learning, the instructor who inspired her learning, and the importance of leadership that secures the “leakage pipe” among female scientists.
How did you get into science?
I’ve always loved learning and using a framework to understand the world really attracted me. Although I am studying volcano now, I have various interests throughout my education. I studied amphibian hotspots in Grand Teton National Park and worked in the genetics lab in high school. In college, I helped map lead pollution in New York City and worked in a lab where we genetically break down bacteria [the industrial chemical] BPA is in a wastewater treatment environment. For me, participating in science is never about working on a topic. It’s about participating in learning and discovery.
Did women from science, Colombia or otherwise inspire you?
There are many women in science that inspired me, but one stands out. I took a class called “How to build a habitable planet with Terry Planets in my undergraduate year”, which was attracted not only by the subject, but also by the passionate teaching style of the planks. This happened to be the same semester when she received a major grant from the Moore Foundation to improve monitoring of highly active volcanoes around the world (Avert Project). I remember being surprised that she could make a difference in her student’s lives while working on projects that have the potential to change the way we predict and deal with disasters. I was lucky enough to continue my graduate studies under her guidance, and the knowledge and passion she carried with me is still inspired by me every day.
“Entering science is never about working on a topic; it’s about participating in the process of learning and discovery.”
How do we continue to support and guide female scientists?
My point is that we have made a lot of progress in recruiting more female scientists, but have not done a good job of keeping them in higher positions (so-called “leakage pipes”). Interventions must be made at graduate, postdoctoral and early career stages to help fix these “leaks”. To this end, voting for candidates and voting measures supporting the equity program in higher education is crucial to continuing to improve the landscape of female scientists.
Do you have any advice for young women or girls interested in entering the field?
Some things I have observed so far are: (1) Your consultant/mentor is very important to your success and long-term achievements. Choose them carefully, not just for their academic achievements. (2) Failure is part of the work. Try to embrace it when possible and realize that failure is still improving. (3) Your emotional connection with science is important. Have fun and use your imagination! Let the excitement of discovery drive you to the wonders of the world.
