We all know tree rings and ice cores can record past climate change, but what if we don’t have them – specifically in a tropical area? On Mon., July 5, join Aster Lei, a PhD student in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, for a discussion on using biomarkers to understand past climate. Aster will discuss current research in Mexico and Central America, where Aster is developing a robust method using lake sediment from those areas to reconstruct past climate.

About Aster Lei:

Aster Lei is a PhD student in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh. Aster received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from China University of Geosciences and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Translation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in June 2015. Aster’s research focuses mainly on molecular biochemistry, using biomarkers (GDGTs) to investigate the paleoclimate (paleotemperature and the precipitation) and the environmental changes. In the future, Aster plans to add isotopic biogeochemical methods to the research.

About our Virtual Café Sci:

The event is FREE to attend, but preregistration is required   Carnegie Science Center would like to continue to offer programs like Café Sci, Women in STEM, and others. Please consider making a donation when you register. Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation with instructions on how to enter the event. Have a question for Aster? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!