Soapbox Science MK 2017: how to make a mountain and the stories seashells tell

Posted on 24 July 2017 • Science

Science is all about furthering our understanding of ourselves, the planet, and the Universe. Two Female academics from the OU will be sharing their love of research with members of the public in Milton Keynes at Soapbox Science MK 2017.

Lecturer in Environment, Earth, and Ecosystems Sciences, Dr Pallavi Anand, and PhD Researcher, Stacy Phillips, will join ten other scientists at thecentre:mk on Saturday 29 July 2017, 12:00 – 15:00, talking to passers-by about topics such as how to build a mountain; our relationship with the toilet; and what sea shells tell us about climate change.

The OU will be joined by other academics from Cranfield University, Bournemoth University, the University of Buckingham, the University of Leicester, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Warwick.

Eliminating gender inequality in science

Launched in 2011 on the Southbank in London, Soapbox Science transforms public areas into hubs of scientific learning, where the leading female scientists from around the UK showcase science to the general public. The initiative aims to ‘eliminate gender inequality in science by raising the profile … of women and science.” Twelve cities across the UK will be hosting events in 2017.

How to build a mountain

Stacy Philips will be speaking about how mountains form; she said:

“Have you ever wondered how mountains form? Why do these masses of rock tower above the landscape? Did you know that there are marine fossils at the top of Mount Everest? How do geologists find out about mountain building processes? These are just some of the fascinating questions I will be answering from the top of my soapbox!”

Stacy Phillips – Soapbox Science

What sea shells tell us about climate change

Dr Pallavi Anand will be speaking about shells as a record of climate change; she said:

“About two thirds of our planet is Ocean. Oceans provide food, transport links, regulate climate on our planet, and contribute to every second breath that we take. I will be talking about how ocean plankton shells record climate and the challenges they face in current and future oceans.”

Dr Pallavi Anand – Soapbox Science

Photo by Oleg.