Extreme Events, Tree Rings and People

A new seminar class with a difference!

Looking to improve your research communication skills? Interested in human and environmental interactions?

This class will focus on diverse studies of the impact of extreme natural events on human societies using tree-rings and how we can introduce, present and utilize such environmental scholarship in cross-disciplinary academic forums and through a variety of public engagement activities.

We will explore the use of tree-rings to provide human relevant time frames and environmental reconstructions in scenarios of sudden onset climatic change, droughts, pluvials volcanic eruptions, tsunami, avalanches, fires and earthquakes. Assessment will be based on how well you transfer this information into presentation and outreach materials and your ability to communicate with members of the public at an outreach event.

Class open to students from arts and sciences, no background in tree-rings necessary.