HWS News
16 June 2020 • Research Linscott '21 Accepted to National Undergraduate Climate Research Group
A double major in geoscience and Spanish and Hispanic Studies, Gabby Linscott '21 is one of only 14 students from across the nation who have been accepted to Penn State Climate Research Experiences for Undergraduates, a 10-week program to pursue research in climate science, scientific inquiry and science communication. Linscott's research will focus on urban flooding and environmental justice as she works with top scholars in the field of meteorology and atmospheric science.
The REU program is designed to inspire scientific exploration and support scientific communication, as students learn how to communicate research findings and their implications to other scientists and the general public. With a faculty adviser, students design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present results to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Concerned about the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, Linscott has joined the research team at Penn State HELIX (Health and Environment Landscapes for Interdisciplinary eXchange). Under the guidance of Associate Professor of Geography Brian King and Post Doctoral Fellow Andrea Rishworth, Linscott's research will focus on changing precipitation patterns and how that impacts urban flooding and public health in historically segregated neighborhoods.
Last summer, Linscott was a student researcher with the Northeastern Partnership for Atmospheric and Related Science (NEPARS). She says the experience gave her the confidence she needed to realize she was capable of pursuing a career in science and possibly in research, and the necessary experience to be a competitive applicant for the REU program.
Through NEPARS, Linscott presented her research on high wind events on the East Coast of the United States at the American Meteorology Society's annual conference and the Northeastern Storm Conference in Saratoga, N.Y.
Linscott says she is grateful to her adviser Associate Professor of Geoscience Nick Metz, who encouraged her to pursue the prestigious summer experience. She also worked closely with the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education and Associate Professor of Geoscience Tara Curtin.
On campus, Linscott is a co-founder of the Women in Geoscience Club and a member and stage manager of the Colleges Chorale. She also works as an O'Laughlin Ambassador in the Office of Admissions, a Teaching Assistant in the Geoscience Department, Research Assistant in the Salisbury Center, and Writing Colleague. She is a member of the Laurel Society and a Trustee Scholar.