Dr. Julia Perdrial, Associate Professor of Geochemistry, ​Department of Geology at the University of Vermont

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The Earth’s surface is now often termed the Critical Zone (CZ) and provides everything life on Earth needs. However, the pressures of the Anthropocene such as climate change or acid rain, weaken this zones’ capacity to support us, requiring a concerted effort to understand complex and coupled response to these pressures. With my background in geology, mineralogy, biogeochemistry and geomicrobiology, I take an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to study this zone with an emphasis on carbon and nutrient dynamics. My current projects focus on a variety of land water interactions, such as effects of drought, heavy precipitation, or acid rain on the quality of soils, streams, and ground water. For this we combine data science, field observations and experimental lab investigations in a collaborative setting. 

http://criticalzone.org/

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+++ NEWS +++ 

• On YouTube: 
  • I very much enjoyed the Cyber symposium of the Critical Zone Research Coordination Network and introduced project of stream water DOC across scales. Find the recording here (2020).
  • You can also see a recording of my Geology Seminar Series talk here: https://streaming.uvm.edu/media/videos/27423/geology-seminar/ (2020).
• On TV: our work in Vermonts watersheds as part of the EPSCoR project is featured in a very cool VT-PBS documentary called "Saving our Waters". You can find it here (2016/2017).
• On the radio: 
  • I had the great pleasure to chat with ​Scott Campitelli on WBTV, a local radio station where we showcased the importance of interdisciplinary work. https://epscor.w3.uvm.edu/2/node/4680 (2019).
  • Another fun chat with Keith Pannell from Science Studio, a radio show featuring the "ever progressing world of science" is up here (2017).
• In the news: 
  
• ​The new Critical Zone collaborative network cluster:
  • Teachers Engage in Critical Zone Science Research about Lake Champlain Basin: UVM Program Helps Educators Integrate Authentic Place-Based Learning in Schools
  • https://vtcynic.com/uncategorized/critical-zone-team-awarded-3-2-million/ (2020).
  • https://www.uvm.edu/cas/news/professor-uvms-geology-department-leads-new-32m-study-earths-critical-zone (2020).
• Other news:
  
• • "Catalina's rock: Life's foundation", you can find the article on the south western Critical Zone from the Arizona Daily Star here (2012).
  • "Living in, discovering the Critical Zone". You can find the article on the Critical Zone from the AZ Daily Star here  (2010).
• In school: I got to measure pH with the kids of the sustainability academy in Burlington. They know a ton about land and water!​
• In space: we visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston to talk with Liz Rampe about weathering on Mars (holding a piece of the Moon on the left, 2018)!

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We stand with Black Lives Matter

The lack of racial diversity in Earth science limits scientific progress by excluding creative ideas and perspectives, yet, current and aspiring Black geoscientists face barriers of inequity and exclusion. 

I strive to generate an anti-racist culture in my research and teaching to foster an inclusive environment. However, as a white female immigrant from Europe I realize I have a lot to learn and am working with the following resources:
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• Ten Simple Rules for Building an Anti-Racist Research Lab - Chaudhary & Asefaw Berhe
• https://www.shutdownstem.com/resources
  
• ​https://www.blmgb.org/
• https://www.uvm.edu/diversity/amazing-grace
• White Supremacy culture -Tema Okun

​Please contact me if you have questions/suggestions about how we can work towards anti-racism in my group.