Instagram Linkedin Youtube Facebook
HARLEM CULTURE CRAWL TICKETS

Layout A

convocation student speakers 2024 social card

Get to Know This Year’s Convocation Student Speakers CU Morningside Campus Update April 26 CU Morningside Campus Update Best Wis…


With Convocation drawing near, the Class of 2024’s student speakers will prepare to take the stage, and share remarks and reflections on their time at Teachers College. 
Learn more about this year’s honored student speakers — from across TC’s education, health and psychology programs — and tune into their remarks during Convocation ceremonies on May 14 and 15.
 
Amber Barger (Ed.D. ’24, Adult Learning & Leadership)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Houston, Texas 
What Inspires Her: Barger is inspired by her formative years serving in the Peace Corps when she facilitated grassroots projects in rural Mongolia. Collaborating alongside local leaders and stakeholders, she mobilized creative solutions to address the community’s most pressing challenges. “My drive for leading and growing organizations comes from seeing the real difference it makes when people who care come together to tackle  problems and achieve breakthroughs—that’s what really improves our world.”
How She Makes a Difference: Barger brings a scholar-practitioner lens to build award-winning people development programs that yield measurable results for organizations. “I believe a better working world is one in which organizations activate the greatness within each of their people to create long-term value.” Daily, you can find Barger coaching behavior change, developing high-performing teams, and facilitating large-scale business transformation; she helps people adapt to the future of work.
Her most recent doctoral research is at the intersection of artificial intelligence and professional coaching, proving that AI coaches of the future can be just as effective as human coaches in building relationships with clients, providing coaching experiences, and helping clients attain their goals.
What’s Next: After Convocation, Barger plans to continue leading global teams to create individual and collective people experiences that positively impact how we grow and flourish in the workplace. 
 
Isma Kafayat (M.A. ’24, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 
What Inspires Her:  Working to eliminate the stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly within the deaf community. “Witnessing the limitations imposed on deaf individuals due to misconceptions about their potential has been a driving force behind my passion for advocacy,” explains Kafayat, who hopes to challenge stereotypes and empower others to recognize the potential within the deaf community. 
How She Makes a Difference:  As the president of the ASL club, Kafayat has led initiatives that promote deaf culture, language and community engagement. She has organized various events that raise awareness about deaf culture and communication barriers. Each event provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn and better understand the deaf community. 
Kafayat is also a recipient of TC’s Abby M. O’Neill Fellowship , which recognizes her dedication to advocating for the deaf community. “This scholarship serves as a platform to amplify my efforts among the deaf community,” says Kafayat. “My experiences at TC have reinforced my commitment to service and advocacy and I am proud to have fostered greater understanding, inclusion and support for deaf individuals within my school and beyond.”
What’s Next:  After completing her tenure at Teachers College, Kafayat plans to pursue her doctorate degree in Deaf Education and will teach at a deaf school for the next two years, while expanding her non-profit organization. “My goal is to ensure that learning becomes more inclusive and accessible for all.”
 
Jalnidh Kaur (Ph.D.  ’24, Economics & Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Ludhiana, Punjab, India 
What Inspires Her:  Her work as a teacher in rural India as well as her role and identity as a parent. “Being at the intersection of science and motherhood exposes one to new challenges and unique perspectives while also breaking stereotypes for female academics in the field.”
How She Makes a Difference: Kaur’s research focuses on understanding how information, beliefs and psychosocial tools can be leveraged to overcome adversity and enable people to realize their full potential. Through her work, she hopes to develop rigorous and actionable evidence to answer pressing policy questions that stand to improve welfare across the developing world. 
A big part of Kaur’s dissertation research examines the role of teachers’ beliefs in shaping teachers’ efforts and student learning in low-income settings. “I’m particularly proud of this work. It has been a meaningful pursuit and a labor of love for the last six years of my time as a doctoral student at TC,” she shares. “My work has been cited by the World Bank and has expanded our understanding of interventions that work to empower teachers.”
What’s Next:  Kaur will assume a new role as faculty at the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
 
Maya Rajah (M.A.  ’24, Psychology in Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Singapore
What Inspires Her: Practices and experiences that foster authentic inner and outer kindness.Through daily meditative practices, Rajah has nurtured an unwavering inner friendship with herself, which inspires warmth and care within her interactions. She believes that kindness and compassion are vital pathways to lasting connection and peace.
How She Makes a Difference: Rajah’s collaborative research with several organizations reflects her commitment to promoting flourishing mental health globally. She has partnered with Global Action for Mental Health to research and develop a community-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation center in Bungoma, Kenya. Additionally, she helps the VIA Character Institute spearhead research on an AI-powered character strengths coach to enhance global access to strengths-based interventions. Rajah also works with Sol, the top U.S. spiritual wellness app, to foster interfaith dialogue and spiritual pluralism. This work complements her contributions to the executive committee of IPPA’s Spirituality and Meaning Division, where she helps aggregate research on spirituality and meaning in life. Her work across these platforms leverages modern technology and innovative strategies to foster a more compassionate and interconnected world.
What’s Next: Rajah plans to pursue doctoral studies to further explore how positive emotions and emotion regulation impact self-perception and relationships. Drawing on her extensive experience in mindfulness meditation and yoga, she will also continue facilitating groups, fusing scientific insights with experiential learning to empower and uplift others. 
 

Published Friday, Apr 26, 2024

Source link

Layout A (slider)

convocation student speakers 2024 social card

Get to Know This Year’s Convocation Student Speakers CU Morningside Campus Update April 26 CU Morningside Campus Update Best Wis…


With Convocation drawing near, the Class of 2024’s student speakers will prepare to take the stage, and share remarks and reflections on their time at Teachers College. 
Learn more about this year’s honored student speakers — from across TC’s education, health and psychology programs — and tune into their remarks during Convocation ceremonies on May 14 and 15.
 
Amber Barger (Ed.D. ’24, Adult Learning & Leadership)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Houston, Texas 
What Inspires Her: Barger is inspired by her formative years serving in the Peace Corps when she facilitated grassroots projects in rural Mongolia. Collaborating alongside local leaders and stakeholders, she mobilized creative solutions to address the community’s most pressing challenges. “My drive for leading and growing organizations comes from seeing the real difference it makes when people who care come together to tackle  problems and achieve breakthroughs—that’s what really improves our world.”
How She Makes a Difference: Barger brings a scholar-practitioner lens to build award-winning people development programs that yield measurable results for organizations. “I believe a better working world is one in which organizations activate the greatness within each of their people to create long-term value.” Daily, you can find Barger coaching behavior change, developing high-performing teams, and facilitating large-scale business transformation; she helps people adapt to the future of work.
Her most recent doctoral research is at the intersection of artificial intelligence and professional coaching, proving that AI coaches of the future can be just as effective as human coaches in building relationships with clients, providing coaching experiences, and helping clients attain their goals.
What’s Next: After Convocation, Barger plans to continue leading global teams to create individual and collective people experiences that positively impact how we grow and flourish in the workplace. 
 
Isma Kafayat (M.A. ’24, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 
What Inspires Her:  Working to eliminate the stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly within the deaf community. “Witnessing the limitations imposed on deaf individuals due to misconceptions about their potential has been a driving force behind my passion for advocacy,” explains Kafayat, who hopes to challenge stereotypes and empower others to recognize the potential within the deaf community. 
How She Makes a Difference:  As the president of the ASL club, Kafayat has led initiatives that promote deaf culture, language and community engagement. She has organized various events that raise awareness about deaf culture and communication barriers. Each event provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn and better understand the deaf community. 
Kafayat is also a recipient of TC’s Abby M. O’Neill Fellowship , which recognizes her dedication to advocating for the deaf community. “This scholarship serves as a platform to amplify my efforts among the deaf community,” says Kafayat. “My experiences at TC have reinforced my commitment to service and advocacy and I am proud to have fostered greater understanding, inclusion and support for deaf individuals within my school and beyond.”
What’s Next:  After completing her tenure at Teachers College, Kafayat plans to pursue her doctorate degree in Deaf Education and will teach at a deaf school for the next two years, while expanding her non-profit organization. “My goal is to ensure that learning becomes more inclusive and accessible for all.”
 
Jalnidh Kaur (Ph.D.  ’24, Economics & Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Ludhiana, Punjab, India 
What Inspires Her:  Her work as a teacher in rural India as well as her role and identity as a parent. “Being at the intersection of science and motherhood exposes one to new challenges and unique perspectives while also breaking stereotypes for female academics in the field.”
How She Makes a Difference: Kaur’s research focuses on understanding how information, beliefs and psychosocial tools can be leveraged to overcome adversity and enable people to realize their full potential. Through her work, she hopes to develop rigorous and actionable evidence to answer pressing policy questions that stand to improve welfare across the developing world. 
A big part of Kaur’s dissertation research examines the role of teachers’ beliefs in shaping teachers’ efforts and student learning in low-income settings. “I’m particularly proud of this work. It has been a meaningful pursuit and a labor of love for the last six years of my time as a doctoral student at TC,” she shares. “My work has been cited by the World Bank and has expanded our understanding of interventions that work to empower teachers.”
What’s Next:  Kaur will assume a new role as faculty at the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
 
Maya Rajah (M.A.  ’24, Psychology in Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Singapore
What Inspires Her: Practices and experiences that foster authentic inner and outer kindness.Through daily meditative practices, Rajah has nurtured an unwavering inner friendship with herself, which inspires warmth and care within her interactions. She believes that kindness and compassion are vital pathways to lasting connection and peace.
How She Makes a Difference: Rajah’s collaborative research with several organizations reflects her commitment to promoting flourishing mental health globally. She has partnered with Global Action for Mental Health to research and develop a community-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation center in Bungoma, Kenya. Additionally, she helps the VIA Character Institute spearhead research on an AI-powered character strengths coach to enhance global access to strengths-based interventions. Rajah also works with Sol, the top U.S. spiritual wellness app, to foster interfaith dialogue and spiritual pluralism. This work complements her contributions to the executive committee of IPPA’s Spirituality and Meaning Division, where she helps aggregate research on spirituality and meaning in life. Her work across these platforms leverages modern technology and innovative strategies to foster a more compassionate and interconnected world.
What’s Next: Rajah plans to pursue doctoral studies to further explore how positive emotions and emotion regulation impact self-perception and relationships. Drawing on her extensive experience in mindfulness meditation and yoga, she will also continue facilitating groups, fusing scientific insights with experiential learning to empower and uplift others. 
 

Published Friday, Apr 26, 2024

Source link

1697673973 unnamed 8

President Jones’ Statement on the Columbia University Protests – Union Theological Seminary

Dear Union Community, 
Given the twisting of truth, outright lies, and relentlessly hateful speech that our present social media culture encourages, I have become increasingly less confident that writing public letters is a useful way to achieve meaningful change.  That said, today, as the sirens blared by my window and hundreds of NYPD flood onto the scene at Columbia, I find myself unable to hold back and not write to you.
First, I am writing to make sure that everyone at Union knows that a wide range of support is here for any student, staff, or faculty who are in need of support.  This is a horrible, awful day in the midst of ravaging, cruel times.  It breaks us all. Please do not be afraid to reach out.
Second, on behalf of Union, I want to reaffirm what I hope everyone at Union knows.  We have never and will never take the actions that occurred today, including to some of our students.  Whatever our differences, all of your voices and values are too important to me and to Union to shove them away and dispose of them.  I firmly believe campuses need to be places where lively, rigorous debate happens, where we struggle together to find better ways to live together on this planet, and where students have the chance to find and strengthen their voices, experience the power of collective action, and learn to be passionate, engaged citizens, particularly working alongside those with limited power who suffer under the crushing force of unjust policies, structures, and actions.  These precious values do not flourish when protests are squashed.  Democracy itself cannot flourish.
Third, Union has a strict policy that prohibits the NYPD from entering our campus, except in the rare situation where a serious crime has been committed.  You have our commitment to enforcing this policy fully and strongly. I have your back.
Fourth, at Union, our long-standing commitment to social justice is manifest daily in how we, as an institution, live out loud in a world that does not share these values.  It is not an easy thing to do but do it we must, without arrogance or self-righteousness.  We are far from perfect, but with our strong hearts, critical minds, and activated bodies, we can, through our example, be a force for change. Keep going.
Finally, we are not and must not avert our eyes or turn our souls away from Gaza and Israel and the oppressions crushing so many peoples’ lives around the world, including right here in our own nation.  To stay strong in the face of such horrifying forces of death, we must remember the hard truth that even when we disagree, we need each other; we need to gently care for each other and try as hard as we can to not carelessly inflict upon each other the very things we detest.  I do not say this with a sense of ease because it is hard work to be a community. But don’t give up on it.  The aching, yearning world cannot afford for you to do so.
Dear friends, the tides of intolerance are turning against the humanity in us all. I promise to stand beside you as we try to turn that tide towards love, towards justice, towards the embrace of our fragile human and planetary life.  I am tired, sad, overwhelmed, and torn up inside, as I am sure many of you are.  I promise to be with you in your weariness as well.
Peace,
President Serene Jones
###
About Union Theological Seminary
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), founded in 1836 in New York City, is a globally recognized seminary and graduate school of theology where faith and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. A beacon for social justice and progressive change, Union Theological Seminary is led by a diverse group of theologians and activist leaders. Drawing on both Christian traditions and the insights of other faiths, the institution is focused on educating leaders who can address critical issues like racial equity, criminal justice reform, income inequality, and protecting the environment. Union is led by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President and the first woman to head the 187-year-old seminary.
The post President Jones’ Statement on the Columbia University Protests appeared first on Union Theological Seminary.
Source link

tc general badge

Best Wishes for the Passover Holiday Campus Safety Update Here’s How Data Can Help Unlock Education Equity To Address Climate Ch…

This evening marks the start of the week-long Passover holiday when those of the Jewish faith celebrate liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. For all of our colleagues and friends who will join in dinners known as seders where this story is retold, we hope this special time offers an opportunity for reflection and community. And we wish you and your loved ones a meaningful Passover filled with peace and inspiration.Chag Pesach sameach

Source link

tc general badge

Campus Safety Update Here’s How Data Can Help Unlock Education Equity Best Wishes for the Passover Holiday To Address Climate Ch…


Dear members of the Teachers College community:This morning, we shared via TC Alert that all classes at Teachers College will be held virtually today, Monday, April 22, 2024, which was consistent with the announcement from Columbia University. Faculty and staff were alerted that those who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to campus as scheduled. The TC campus and its facilities are open.  I have been walking through our halls today and we remain safe. There was some peaceful protest in front of the building. Be assured that we will continue to do everything possible to stay peaceful and welcoming.  At TC, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive campus for everyone and will not tolerate antisemitism or Islamophobia of any kind.Understandably, the ongoing protests, demonstrations, and gatherings of large crowds, both on the Columbia Morningside campus and the surrounding area, may be cause for concern about safety when traveling to and from our campus. Community members should be assured that TC Public Safety is closely monitoring these activities, as well as working closely with Columbia University’s Department of Public Safety and the NYPD. Please know we understand and appreciate community concerns around safety and well-being and toward that end, we are outlining here some of our available community safety and transportation resources:

Increased Public Safety Officers on duty during peak times and at campus access points.
TC Safe App, specifically the “Friend  Walk” feature in the app. This feature allows community members to travel the neighborhood by conducting a virtual walk with anyone in their current contacts.  
Safe Havens Occasionally, TC community members may feel uneasy about walking home, waiting for a bus, or walking to the subway. If this should ever happen, just look for the Red Lion at participating neighborhood merchants.
On-Demand Evening Shuttle for after-hours transportation that is available FREE of charge to all members of the Columbia and TC community. 

As a reminder, CUID-only access to the Columbia Morningside campus has been established with limited campus entry points and will remain in effect until further notice. We recognize these are challenging times and want to ensure that all TC community members are aware of these safety, security, and transportation resources. TC Community members are also encouraged to contact TC Public Safety, 24/7, by telephone at (212) 678-3333 or by email at publicsafety@tc.columbia.edu should they have any immediate on-campus concerns or 911 while off-campus. I want to express my gratitude for everything you are doing to support each other during these challenging times. I am thankful to be part of this community with you all. Let’s continue to work towards creating a safe and inclusive campus environment for everyone so that you can focus on your important work of teaching, learning, and contributing to the greater good.Sincerely, Thomas BaileyPresidentTeachers College, Columbia University

Published Monday, Apr 22, 2024

Source link

Bryce Rowan

PhD Candidate Bryce Rowan Shares How the Resources at Mount Sinai Are Instrumental in Helping Him Reach His Goals

Bryce Rowan

Bryce Rowan

Bryce Rowan is a third-year doctoral candidate in the Genetics and Genomics multidisciplinary training area (MTA) of the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program. In this Q & A, he discusses why he chose to study at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What attracted you to this area of study?

I am interested in translational work and being able to apply my findings to human studies in attempts to aid in improving the equitable study and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Why continue your education with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences?

I need a PhD to understand research strategies and manage multiple projects. This will enable me to become a Principal Investigator one day.

 Why did you choose to study at Icahn Mount Sinai?

The resources at Icahn Mount Sinai drew me to the program. We have functional genomics datasets and biobank datasets with plenty of computational storage and computing power to properly analyze these datasets.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

Finding community, specifically friends outside of the graduate program, helps provide balance and is necessary for work-life balance. Volunteering my time by mentoring and working to produce an environment that better accounts for mental health and wellness through the Trainee Health and Wellness program also provides me with a way to give back to the graduate school community. Having a life outside of work is imperative, and giving back is crucial to success.

What are your plans after you complete your PhD?

I’m seeking a job as a postdoctoral fellow where I can gain independent funding, while also having more independent projects. My training in the PhD program makes this a good next step for my career.

Source link

Shuly headshot in office

Chancellor Schwartz Responds to Protests on Columbia University’s Campus 

Shuly headshot in office

On the eve of Passover, a festival commemorating liberation and freedom, we are both shocked and horrified by the unfolding events just blocks away on the Columbia University campus. Columbia and Barnard, which serve as an academic home for our List College students, are key allies in JTS’s educational endeavors and are cherished members of our local community. Despite this deep partnership, the events of the past week have caused many to feel vulnerable and anxious. 

Ensuring the safety and well-being of the JTS community is always our top priority. We maintain close communication with Columbia’s Public Safety team, the New York Police Department, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, and the university administration. Our students are encouraged to seek out support services offered by their academic deans, faculty mentors, the JTS Counseling Center, and our security team, allowing them to fully engage in the learning that brought them to JTS.

What is happening on the Columbia campus serves as a microcosm of a broader societal problem—the breakdown of constructive discourse and the inability to understand and respect differing viewpoints. The morphing of what might be legitimate debate into the worst and most aggressive forms of antisemitic expression is horrifying for us as Jews and as Americans. It must be unequivocally condemned, and it is particularly antithetical to everything that our universities teach and foster. 

JTS, as both a Jewish and an academic institution, will continue to play an essential role in educating and addressing this intellectual and social ill. This is what led us to recently host an important convening entitled “Antisemitism and Allyship” where scholars, religious leaders, public servants, campus chaplains, and List College students discussed topics related to antisemitism in all its forms, learned about the allyship that has been essential throughout the ages, and engaged in the type of dialogue that is so desperately needed during this divisive time.

Over the past months, President Shafik and I have been meeting and building a relationship of trust, honesty, and open dialogue. The quote she shared in her recent op-ed for The Wall Street Journal from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks echoes our conversations: “Antisemitism is always an early warning sign of a dangerous dysfunction within a culture because the hate that begins with Jews never ends with Jews.” 

Even as we remain focused on the welfare and education of the students in our care, we will continue to diligently seek out and tend to all the ways in which we, together with our allies, can further this vital work of addressing the broader problem of antisemitism in our universities and in society at large.

All of us at JTS wish you a serene and contemplative Passover, in which we may find some welcome, if muted, joy.



Source link

Statement from Columbia University President Minouche Shafik

Dear Members of the Columbia Community,

I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus. Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm. Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas. We need a reset.

There is a terrible conflict raging in the Middle East with devastating human consequences. I understand that many are experiencing deep moral distress and want Columbia to help alleviate this by taking action. We should be having serious conversations about how Columbia can contribute. There will be many views across our diverse community about how best to do this and that is as it should be. But we cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view. Let’s sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions.

To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday. Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to work according to university policy. Our preference is that students who do not live on campus will not come to campus.

During the coming days, a working group of Deans, university administrators and faculty members will try to bring this crisis to a resolution. That includes continuing discussions with the student protestors and identifying actions we can take as a community to enable us to peacefully complete the term and return to respectful engagement with each other. I know that there is much debate about whether or not we should use the police on campus, and I am happy to engage in those discussions. But I do know that better adherence to our rules and effective enforcement mechanisms would obviate the need for relying on anyone else to keep our community safe. We should be able to do this ourselves.

Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus. Antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken. We urge those affected to report these incidents through university channels. We also want to remind everyone of the support available for anyone adversely affected by current events.

We are a caring, mature, thoughtful and engaged community. Let’s remind ourselves of our common values of honoring learning, mutual respect, and kindness that have been the bedrock of Columbia. I hope everyone can take a deep breath, show compassion, and work together to rebuild the ties that bind us together.

Minouche

Minouche ShafikPresident, Columbia University in the City of New York

Source link

leap pangeo climate modeling database

How Should Communities Adapt to the Changing Climate? A New Database Offers Answers

The models meteorologists use to predict next week’s weather simulate how air masses move through the atmosphere. When it comes to predicting what the climate will be like in 2034 or 2054, researchers have to take a lot more into account. 

Pierre Gentine, Maurice Ewing and J. Lamar Worzel Professor of Geophysics in the Departments of Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia Engineering and Earth Environmental Sciences and a member of the Data Science Institute at Columbia University, compares today’s models of Earth’s climate to a gigantic Lego structure.

“It’s very difficult to put all of those pieces together and make sure they’re doing the right thing,” he said. “We’re reaching the limit of complexity.”

For the communities that rely on predictions to guide their plans for adapting to climate change, this is a huge problem. That’s because nearly all of the uncertainty about how the climate will change over the next 40 years lies in researchers’ ability to develop accurate models rather than the amount of greenhouse gasses that we emit into the atmosphere.

“The emission pathway doesn’t matter so much before that time,” Gentine said. “It’s really about understanding the physical system.”

Researchers started developing climate models in the 1950s. In the last decade, the introduction of AI methods and an explosion in the amount of data have accelerated the rate of progress — and exposed several bottlenecks that limit what kind of information researchers can deliver to the communities that need it. 

In an effort to overcome these problems, the NSF funded a multi-institutional Science and Technology Center called LEAP (short for Learning the Earth through AI and Physics) in 2021. Led by Columbia with Gentine at the helm, LEAP is endeavoring to revolutionize climate projections for informed climate adaptation.

“We’ll have to do a lot of climate adaptation until at least 2060, as it will take time to reach net zero,” Gentine said. “This is only really possible if leaders have accurate climate projections.”

Researchers need ready access to useful data to provide leaders with those predictions. That’s where LEAP comes in. The center’s premier project, LEAP Pangeo, is a platform offering researchers and communities across the world access to more data than ever before. 

AI + Earth’s climate

Climate models need to become increasingly fine-grained to achieve more accurate and local predictions and projections. 

How much CO2 is absorbed and released when trees in the northern hemisphere grow leaves in the spring and lose them in the fall? How much extra energy will the planet absorb where ice sheets are retreating? How do nitrogen fertilizers impact the ecosystems’ ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere?

These are the types of questions that climate models must take into account when predicting future climate. 

In 2018, Gentine and colleagues developed the first computational models that used AI to simulate climate processes. “We replace some of those individual Lego bricks with AI components,” he said. “For instance, clouds are very difficult to represent with traditional methods, so we replace them with a big neural network.” 

The technique is relatively straightforward. The researchers start with reliable data about some aspect of Earth’s system — either from direct observations or from high-resolution simulations — and train an AI algorithm to predict how certain starting conditions will lead to certain outcomes. Once this is done, the researchers can update their climate predictions and projects by inserting this AI into the much larger “host” models that calculate how many, many processes will interact to produce the overall climate.

For example, instead of developing equations that describe the underlying dynamics driving the formation of a certain type of cloud and its effect on the climate, the researchers could use data from satellites and weather balloons to simulate cloud formation patterns observed in the real world. One of Gentine’s students uses these techniques to model the effect of leaves forming in the spring and falling in the autumn. Another center student has used them to model changing ice sheets far more accurately than was possible using traditional methods. 

It turns out that AI methods are extremely useful. Over the last several years, researchers have been able to make predictions about the chemical, geological, and biological cycles that drive the Earth’s climate more accurately than ever before. 

But there’s a problem. Climate models are hungry for data — especially when they use AI methods. Today, the infrastructure that makes that data available for research is woefully inadequate for the gigantic task of predicting the future climate.

A data bottleneck
In the last 10 years, the number of satellites collecting data about Earth has increased exponentially. This wealth of information is incredibly valuable, but it’s proven difficult for scientists to put it to good use.

“The issue we’re facing now is a data bottleneck,” Gentine said. These satellites belong to different organizations — such as international research consortiums, national space agencies, and private companies — that don’t deliver data in a uniform way. There’s even variation within organizations. “Each satellite launched by NASA had its own portal with its own format” until recently, he said.

This massive data infrastructure gap makes it difficult or even impossible for researchers to access, download, manipulate, and use the many terabytes of data organizations are collecting. 

“Many of those satellites are not being used as much as they should. To be honest, many are barely being used at all,” Gentine said. “We have this wealth of data, but we’re using very little to evaluate our climate models. There’s a disconnect between the amount of data that’s acquired and the amount that’s used, which is very tiny.”

Making sense (and use) of the data
One of LEAP’s central missions is to address this issue through a cloud-based repository for climate data and models. 

“We’re trying to organize the data and put it in the cloud so it’s always in the same place and always reachable,” Gentine said. “We also want users to do a lot of their computations in the cloud.” 

The effort, called LEAP Pangeo, is a community effort connecting scientists and technologists to improve scientific computing with modern technologies. The project’s roots trace back to work initiated by Ryan Abernathey, a computational physical oceanographer at the Columbia Earth Institute. 

“It became a grassroots effort with a lot of people in academia and government chipping in, basically pro bono, to create a community,” Gentine said. “We’re leveraging that at LEAP, where we have a centralized infrastructure that we’re using to support this community and provide data at scale.” 

LEAP also aims to provide data to organizations across the world. The center is working with the MTA and the New York City Mayor’s office to assist with climate adaptation plans. Through its partnership with a nonprofit called Climatematch Academy, LEAP is working to provide climate data and computation tools to partners in the Global South.

“The only thing you need is a laptop and an internet connection to visualize — and potentially even analyze — the data,” Gentine said. 

This kind of information could allow communities across the planet to plan for disasters like drought, flooding, wildfire, and sea level rise years or even decades before they occur, Gentine said. 

“Until 2060, there’s no way around adaptation because things are going to change no matter what.”

Source link

climate change earth month 2024 social card

To Address Climate Change, New Findings on Climate Attitudes & Learning Outcomes Offer Insight Sad News: the passing of Mun C. T…


A set of forthcoming papers by the Center for Sustainable Futures uncovers American attitudes toward climate change and education. The initial findings, which use data from a 2023 survey conducted by the Center and The Public Matters at TC offer a broader perspective on how Americans view the role of education in climate mitigation and adaptation.
Research led by TC student Sarah Lewis reveals that the majority of Americans want to know about responses to climate change. However, the research team identified several trends among different demographics. For example, the findings highlight a stark divide in attitudes and concerns when it comes to people who have accepted climate change and those who have not. In outlining the differences between the groups, researchers can then explore effective strategies for climate communicators to reach wider audiences. 
“Public opinion studies serve as a ‘window’ to the ways members of society think about climate change and education,” explains Oren Pizmony-Levy, Director of the Center for Sustainable Futures, Associate Professor of International and Comparative Education, and the research’s principal investigator. “These studies could also inform public discussion, policy, and practice. Teachers attending our Summer Institute and other workshops feel relieved to learn that the public support climate change education.” 
The Findings

Emotions on Climate Change

Sadness, anger and fear are most commonly reported emotions among respondents, especially those who strongly believe that human activity has contributed to climate change, reveals research by Carine Verschueren, policy analyst at the Center, and Pizmony-Levy However, anger is also common among those who reject the scientific evidence of the climate crisis.

Impact of Media and Messaging

Media and messaging encountered outside the classroom impacts participation in activism according to research from doctoral fellow and Center research associate Darren Rabinowitz and TC students Niklas Nyblom, Noa Urbach and Sarah Lewis. They found that books, social media and newspapers are the strongest determinants of climate action, while TV and family have little impact.

Teaching About Food and Nutrition

96% of respondents view school instruction on food and nutrition as important according to analysis by Fiona Gao and Wen-Yuan Wang.

Teaching Climate Change in Schools

Opinions on the importance of teaching climate change in school are strongly influenced by a respondent’s concern about the climate and less so by their political ideology and location, explains research by Christina Torres, coordinator and research associate for the Center, and Pizmony-Levy.

The forthcoming research coincides with new revelations related to teacher preparation on sustainability and climate education, when approximately 40 educators returned to Teachers College this month to discuss how they’ve integrated professional development from last year’s Summer Climate Education Institute into their schools and classrooms. 
Lessons covered topics such as food equity, sustainable building methods, environmental racism and the role of greenhouse gasses. The product of nearly 10 months of collaborative effort, presentations showcased the breadth of work created during the institute and exemplified the variety of ways climate change can be taught to elementary school students.

Presentations also demonstrated how a learning community of teachers facilitates the creation of more innovative methods. During the course of one project — a mini-unit that introduced climate change concepts to kindergarten students through observation and classroom activities — educators found a need to explore solutions to climate issues like extreme heat and did so by incorporating a lesson on the importance of shade designed by other Summer Institute participants. The unit culminated with students building their “dream playgrounds,” designed to withstand heat and flooding.
Sustaining their growing community of climate educators is a priority for the Center for Sustainable Futures. As such, alumni of the summer institute will have long-term support through mentorship programs, continuing professional development and community building opportunities
“It is exciting to learn with and from the teachers on ways to integrate climate education across different subjects in elementary school,” says Pizmony-Levy. “We are looking forward to working with teachers on publishing their lesson plans and materials on platforms such as Subject to Climate. This will help expand the impact of our work to other teachers in NYC and worldwide.”
— Sherri Gardner

Published Saturday, Apr 20, 2024

Source link

guggenheims 2024 columbia

Four Columbians Win Guggenheim Fellowships

Four Columbia professors will receive Guggenheim Fellowships this year to pursue​ an independent​ project​​ of their choice. They are among 188 American and Canadian scientists, scholars in the social sciences and humanities, and writers and artists of all kinds selected from over 3,000 applicants for a 2024 fellowship.

Since its establishment in 1925, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has given nearly $400 million in fellowships to more than 19,000 individuals; over 125 of its alumni are Nobel laureates, members of all the national academies, and winners of the Pulitzer Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Award, Bancroft Prize, and National Book Award, among other top honors. 

Here’s what the Columbians plan to accomplish in the next year:

Bruno Bosteels, Acting Dean of Humanities, and Jesse and George Siegel Professor in the Humanities, Department of Latin American and Iberian Cultures, will be writing about the social function of literature, and examining literature as a set of forms of reality.

Adama Delphine Fawundu, Assistant Professor, Visual Arts Program, School of the Arts, will create an experimental film, Circadian Riddims, filmed entirely in slow motion, which will provoke healing in a time of post-trauma.

Jack Halberstam, David Feinson Professor of Humanities, Department of English and Comparative Literature, will be writing about a new generation of trans and queer artists who reach back to the 1970s to retrieve a vocabulary of unbuilding, unmaking, unbecoming, and undoing to represent sexual and gender variance. 

Nicola López, Associate Professor, Visual Arts Program, School of the Arts, will, through her artwork, The Haunting—a series of large-scale drawings with video projected onto them—explore the intersection of nature and the built environment.

Source link

Layout A (combined with B)

convocation student speakers 2024 social card

Get to Know This Year’s Convocation Student Speakers CU Morningside Campus Update April 26 CU Morningside Campus Update Best Wis…


With Convocation drawing near, the Class of 2024’s student speakers will prepare to take the stage, and share remarks and reflections on their time at Teachers College. 
Learn more about this year’s honored student speakers — from across TC’s education, health and psychology programs — and tune into their remarks during Convocation ceremonies on May 14 and 15.
 
Amber Barger (Ed.D. ’24, Adult Learning & Leadership)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Houston, Texas 
What Inspires Her: Barger is inspired by her formative years serving in the Peace Corps when she facilitated grassroots projects in rural Mongolia. Collaborating alongside local leaders and stakeholders, she mobilized creative solutions to address the community’s most pressing challenges. “My drive for leading and growing organizations comes from seeing the real difference it makes when people who care come together to tackle  problems and achieve breakthroughs—that’s what really improves our world.”
How She Makes a Difference: Barger brings a scholar-practitioner lens to build award-winning people development programs that yield measurable results for organizations. “I believe a better working world is one in which organizations activate the greatness within each of their people to create long-term value.” Daily, you can find Barger coaching behavior change, developing high-performing teams, and facilitating large-scale business transformation; she helps people adapt to the future of work.
Her most recent doctoral research is at the intersection of artificial intelligence and professional coaching, proving that AI coaches of the future can be just as effective as human coaches in building relationships with clients, providing coaching experiences, and helping clients attain their goals.
What’s Next: After Convocation, Barger plans to continue leading global teams to create individual and collective people experiences that positively impact how we grow and flourish in the workplace. 
 
Isma Kafayat (M.A. ’24, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 
What Inspires Her:  Working to eliminate the stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly within the deaf community. “Witnessing the limitations imposed on deaf individuals due to misconceptions about their potential has been a driving force behind my passion for advocacy,” explains Kafayat, who hopes to challenge stereotypes and empower others to recognize the potential within the deaf community. 
How She Makes a Difference:  As the president of the ASL club, Kafayat has led initiatives that promote deaf culture, language and community engagement. She has organized various events that raise awareness about deaf culture and communication barriers. Each event provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn and better understand the deaf community. 
Kafayat is also a recipient of TC’s Abby M. O’Neill Fellowship , which recognizes her dedication to advocating for the deaf community. “This scholarship serves as a platform to amplify my efforts among the deaf community,” says Kafayat. “My experiences at TC have reinforced my commitment to service and advocacy and I am proud to have fostered greater understanding, inclusion and support for deaf individuals within my school and beyond.”
What’s Next:  After completing her tenure at Teachers College, Kafayat plans to pursue her doctorate degree in Deaf Education and will teach at a deaf school for the next two years, while expanding her non-profit organization. “My goal is to ensure that learning becomes more inclusive and accessible for all.”
 
Jalnidh Kaur (Ph.D.  ’24, Economics & Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Ludhiana, Punjab, India 
What Inspires Her:  Her work as a teacher in rural India as well as her role and identity as a parent. “Being at the intersection of science and motherhood exposes one to new challenges and unique perspectives while also breaking stereotypes for female academics in the field.”
How She Makes a Difference: Kaur’s research focuses on understanding how information, beliefs and psychosocial tools can be leveraged to overcome adversity and enable people to realize their full potential. Through her work, she hopes to develop rigorous and actionable evidence to answer pressing policy questions that stand to improve welfare across the developing world. 
A big part of Kaur’s dissertation research examines the role of teachers’ beliefs in shaping teachers’ efforts and student learning in low-income settings. “I’m particularly proud of this work. It has been a meaningful pursuit and a labor of love for the last six years of my time as a doctoral student at TC,” she shares. “My work has been cited by the World Bank and has expanded our understanding of interventions that work to empower teachers.”
What’s Next:  Kaur will assume a new role as faculty at the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
 
Maya Rajah (M.A.  ’24, Psychology in Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Singapore
What Inspires Her: Practices and experiences that foster authentic inner and outer kindness.Through daily meditative practices, Rajah has nurtured an unwavering inner friendship with herself, which inspires warmth and care within her interactions. She believes that kindness and compassion are vital pathways to lasting connection and peace.
How She Makes a Difference: Rajah’s collaborative research with several organizations reflects her commitment to promoting flourishing mental health globally. She has partnered with Global Action for Mental Health to research and develop a community-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation center in Bungoma, Kenya. Additionally, she helps the VIA Character Institute spearhead research on an AI-powered character strengths coach to enhance global access to strengths-based interventions. Rajah also works with Sol, the top U.S. spiritual wellness app, to foster interfaith dialogue and spiritual pluralism. This work complements her contributions to the executive committee of IPPA’s Spirituality and Meaning Division, where she helps aggregate research on spirituality and meaning in life. Her work across these platforms leverages modern technology and innovative strategies to foster a more compassionate and interconnected world.
What’s Next: Rajah plans to pursue doctoral studies to further explore how positive emotions and emotion regulation impact self-perception and relationships. Drawing on her extensive experience in mindfulness meditation and yoga, she will also continue facilitating groups, fusing scientific insights with experiential learning to empower and uplift others. 
 

Published Friday, Apr 26, 2024

Source link

Layout A (with pagination)

convocation student speakers 2024 social card

Get to Know This Year’s Convocation Student Speakers CU Morningside Campus Update April 26 CU Morningside Campus Update Best Wis…


With Convocation drawing near, the Class of 2024’s student speakers will prepare to take the stage, and share remarks and reflections on their time at Teachers College. 
Learn more about this year’s honored student speakers — from across TC’s education, health and psychology programs — and tune into their remarks during Convocation ceremonies on May 14 and 15.
 
Amber Barger (Ed.D. ’24, Adult Learning & Leadership)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Houston, Texas 
What Inspires Her: Barger is inspired by her formative years serving in the Peace Corps when she facilitated grassroots projects in rural Mongolia. Collaborating alongside local leaders and stakeholders, she mobilized creative solutions to address the community’s most pressing challenges. “My drive for leading and growing organizations comes from seeing the real difference it makes when people who care come together to tackle  problems and achieve breakthroughs—that’s what really improves our world.”
How She Makes a Difference: Barger brings a scholar-practitioner lens to build award-winning people development programs that yield measurable results for organizations. “I believe a better working world is one in which organizations activate the greatness within each of their people to create long-term value.” Daily, you can find Barger coaching behavior change, developing high-performing teams, and facilitating large-scale business transformation; she helps people adapt to the future of work.
Her most recent doctoral research is at the intersection of artificial intelligence and professional coaching, proving that AI coaches of the future can be just as effective as human coaches in building relationships with clients, providing coaching experiences, and helping clients attain their goals.
What’s Next: After Convocation, Barger plans to continue leading global teams to create individual and collective people experiences that positively impact how we grow and flourish in the workplace. 
 
Isma Kafayat (M.A. ’24, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Brooklyn, NY 
What Inspires Her:  Working to eliminate the stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly within the deaf community. “Witnessing the limitations imposed on deaf individuals due to misconceptions about their potential has been a driving force behind my passion for advocacy,” explains Kafayat, who hopes to challenge stereotypes and empower others to recognize the potential within the deaf community. 
How She Makes a Difference:  As the president of the ASL club, Kafayat has led initiatives that promote deaf culture, language and community engagement. She has organized various events that raise awareness about deaf culture and communication barriers. Each event provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn and better understand the deaf community. 
Kafayat is also a recipient of TC’s Abby M. O’Neill Fellowship , which recognizes her dedication to advocating for the deaf community. “This scholarship serves as a platform to amplify my efforts among the deaf community,” says Kafayat. “My experiences at TC have reinforced my commitment to service and advocacy and I am proud to have fostered greater understanding, inclusion and support for deaf individuals within my school and beyond.”
What’s Next:  After completing her tenure at Teachers College, Kafayat plans to pursue her doctorate degree in Deaf Education and will teach at a deaf school for the next two years, while expanding her non-profit organization. “My goal is to ensure that learning becomes more inclusive and accessible for all.”
 
Jalnidh Kaur (Ph.D.  ’24, Economics & Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Ludhiana, Punjab, India 
What Inspires Her:  Her work as a teacher in rural India as well as her role and identity as a parent. “Being at the intersection of science and motherhood exposes one to new challenges and unique perspectives while also breaking stereotypes for female academics in the field.”
How She Makes a Difference: Kaur’s research focuses on understanding how information, beliefs and psychosocial tools can be leveraged to overcome adversity and enable people to realize their full potential. Through her work, she hopes to develop rigorous and actionable evidence to answer pressing policy questions that stand to improve welfare across the developing world. 
A big part of Kaur’s dissertation research examines the role of teachers’ beliefs in shaping teachers’ efforts and student learning in low-income settings. “I’m particularly proud of this work. It has been a meaningful pursuit and a labor of love for the last six years of my time as a doctoral student at TC,” she shares. “My work has been cited by the World Bank and has expanded our understanding of interventions that work to empower teachers.”
What’s Next:  Kaur will assume a new role as faculty at the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
 
Maya Rajah (M.A.  ’24, Psychology in Education)

Teachers College Building





Hometown: Singapore
What Inspires Her: Practices and experiences that foster authentic inner and outer kindness.Through daily meditative practices, Rajah has nurtured an unwavering inner friendship with herself, which inspires warmth and care within her interactions. She believes that kindness and compassion are vital pathways to lasting connection and peace.
How She Makes a Difference: Rajah’s collaborative research with several organizations reflects her commitment to promoting flourishing mental health globally. She has partnered with Global Action for Mental Health to research and develop a community-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation center in Bungoma, Kenya. Additionally, she helps the VIA Character Institute spearhead research on an AI-powered character strengths coach to enhance global access to strengths-based interventions. Rajah also works with Sol, the top U.S. spiritual wellness app, to foster interfaith dialogue and spiritual pluralism. This work complements her contributions to the executive committee of IPPA’s Spirituality and Meaning Division, where she helps aggregate research on spirituality and meaning in life. Her work across these platforms leverages modern technology and innovative strategies to foster a more compassionate and interconnected world.
What’s Next: Rajah plans to pursue doctoral studies to further explore how positive emotions and emotion regulation impact self-perception and relationships. Drawing on her extensive experience in mindfulness meditation and yoga, she will also continue facilitating groups, fusing scientific insights with experiential learning to empower and uplift others. 
 

Published Friday, Apr 26, 2024

Source link

1697673973 unnamed 8

President Jones’ Statement on the Columbia University Protests – Union Theological Seminary

Dear Union Community, 
Given the twisting of truth, outright lies, and relentlessly hateful speech that our present social media culture encourages, I have become increasingly less confident that writing public letters is a useful way to achieve meaningful change.  That said, today, as the sirens blared by my window and hundreds of NYPD flood onto the scene at Columbia, I find myself unable to hold back and not write to you.
First, I am writing to make sure that everyone at Union knows that a wide range of support is here for any student, staff, or faculty who are in need of support.  This is a horrible, awful day in the midst of ravaging, cruel times.  It breaks us all. Please do not be afraid to reach out.
Second, on behalf of Union, I want to reaffirm what I hope everyone at Union knows.  We have never and will never take the actions that occurred today, including to some of our students.  Whatever our differences, all of your voices and values are too important to me and to Union to shove them away and dispose of them.  I firmly believe campuses need to be places where lively, rigorous debate happens, where we struggle together to find better ways to live together on this planet, and where students have the chance to find and strengthen their voices, experience the power of collective action, and learn to be passionate, engaged citizens, particularly working alongside those with limited power who suffer under the crushing force of unjust policies, structures, and actions.  These precious values do not flourish when protests are squashed.  Democracy itself cannot flourish.
Third, Union has a strict policy that prohibits the NYPD from entering our campus, except in the rare situation where a serious crime has been committed.  You have our commitment to enforcing this policy fully and strongly. I have your back.
Fourth, at Union, our long-standing commitment to social justice is manifest daily in how we, as an institution, live out loud in a world that does not share these values.  It is not an easy thing to do but do it we must, without arrogance or self-righteousness.  We are far from perfect, but with our strong hearts, critical minds, and activated bodies, we can, through our example, be a force for change. Keep going.
Finally, we are not and must not avert our eyes or turn our souls away from Gaza and Israel and the oppressions crushing so many peoples’ lives around the world, including right here in our own nation.  To stay strong in the face of such horrifying forces of death, we must remember the hard truth that even when we disagree, we need each other; we need to gently care for each other and try as hard as we can to not carelessly inflict upon each other the very things we detest.  I do not say this with a sense of ease because it is hard work to be a community. But don’t give up on it.  The aching, yearning world cannot afford for you to do so.
Dear friends, the tides of intolerance are turning against the humanity in us all. I promise to stand beside you as we try to turn that tide towards love, towards justice, towards the embrace of our fragile human and planetary life.  I am tired, sad, overwhelmed, and torn up inside, as I am sure many of you are.  I promise to be with you in your weariness as well.
Peace,
President Serene Jones
###
About Union Theological Seminary
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), founded in 1836 in New York City, is a globally recognized seminary and graduate school of theology where faith and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. A beacon for social justice and progressive change, Union Theological Seminary is led by a diverse group of theologians and activist leaders. Drawing on both Christian traditions and the insights of other faiths, the institution is focused on educating leaders who can address critical issues like racial equity, criminal justice reform, income inequality, and protecting the environment. Union is led by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President and the first woman to head the 187-year-old seminary.
The post President Jones’ Statement on the Columbia University Protests appeared first on Union Theological Seminary.
Source link

tc general badge

Best Wishes for the Passover Holiday Campus Safety Update Here’s How Data Can Help Unlock Education Equity To Address Climate Ch…

This evening marks the start of the week-long Passover holiday when those of the Jewish faith celebrate liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. For all of our colleagues and friends who will join in dinners known as seders where this story is retold, we hope this special time offers an opportunity for reflection and community. And we wish you and your loved ones a meaningful Passover filled with peace and inspiration.Chag Pesach sameach

Source link

tc general badge

Campus Safety Update Here’s How Data Can Help Unlock Education Equity Best Wishes for the Passover Holiday To Address Climate Ch…


Dear members of the Teachers College community:This morning, we shared via TC Alert that all classes at Teachers College will be held virtually today, Monday, April 22, 2024, which was consistent with the announcement from Columbia University. Faculty and staff were alerted that those who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to campus as scheduled. The TC campus and its facilities are open.  I have been walking through our halls today and we remain safe. There was some peaceful protest in front of the building. Be assured that we will continue to do everything possible to stay peaceful and welcoming.  At TC, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive campus for everyone and will not tolerate antisemitism or Islamophobia of any kind.Understandably, the ongoing protests, demonstrations, and gatherings of large crowds, both on the Columbia Morningside campus and the surrounding area, may be cause for concern about safety when traveling to and from our campus. Community members should be assured that TC Public Safety is closely monitoring these activities, as well as working closely with Columbia University’s Department of Public Safety and the NYPD. Please know we understand and appreciate community concerns around safety and well-being and toward that end, we are outlining here some of our available community safety and transportation resources:

Increased Public Safety Officers on duty during peak times and at campus access points.
TC Safe App, specifically the “Friend  Walk” feature in the app. This feature allows community members to travel the neighborhood by conducting a virtual walk with anyone in their current contacts.  
Safe Havens Occasionally, TC community members may feel uneasy about walking home, waiting for a bus, or walking to the subway. If this should ever happen, just look for the Red Lion at participating neighborhood merchants.
On-Demand Evening Shuttle for after-hours transportation that is available FREE of charge to all members of the Columbia and TC community. 

As a reminder, CUID-only access to the Columbia Morningside campus has been established with limited campus entry points and will remain in effect until further notice. We recognize these are challenging times and want to ensure that all TC community members are aware of these safety, security, and transportation resources. TC Community members are also encouraged to contact TC Public Safety, 24/7, by telephone at (212) 678-3333 or by email at publicsafety@tc.columbia.edu should they have any immediate on-campus concerns or 911 while off-campus. I want to express my gratitude for everything you are doing to support each other during these challenging times. I am thankful to be part of this community with you all. Let’s continue to work towards creating a safe and inclusive campus environment for everyone so that you can focus on your important work of teaching, learning, and contributing to the greater good.Sincerely, Thomas BaileyPresidentTeachers College, Columbia University

Published Monday, Apr 22, 2024

Source link

Bryce Rowan

PhD Candidate Bryce Rowan Shares How the Resources at Mount Sinai Are Instrumental in Helping Him Reach His Goals

Bryce Rowan

Bryce Rowan

Bryce Rowan is a third-year doctoral candidate in the Genetics and Genomics multidisciplinary training area (MTA) of the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program. In this Q & A, he discusses why he chose to study at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What attracted you to this area of study?

I am interested in translational work and being able to apply my findings to human studies in attempts to aid in improving the equitable study and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Why continue your education with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences?

I need a PhD to understand research strategies and manage multiple projects. This will enable me to become a Principal Investigator one day.

 Why did you choose to study at Icahn Mount Sinai?

The resources at Icahn Mount Sinai drew me to the program. We have functional genomics datasets and biobank datasets with plenty of computational storage and computing power to properly analyze these datasets.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

Finding community, specifically friends outside of the graduate program, helps provide balance and is necessary for work-life balance. Volunteering my time by mentoring and working to produce an environment that better accounts for mental health and wellness through the Trainee Health and Wellness program also provides me with a way to give back to the graduate school community. Having a life outside of work is imperative, and giving back is crucial to success.

What are your plans after you complete your PhD?

I’m seeking a job as a postdoctoral fellow where I can gain independent funding, while also having more independent projects. My training in the PhD program makes this a good next step for my career.

Source link

Get Updates and Stay Connected - Subscribe To Our Newsletter

View previous campaigns

Morningside Area Alliance Member Institutions

Morningside Area Alliance Member Institutions