Science Lead for Research Diver Training:  2019 – 2023

Building our own instruments may have removed financial barriers to larger scale research, but this also revealed a need for more divers with science-related skills. A rewarding multi-year partnership with Natalie Gibb at Under the Jungle lead to intensive ‘Science week’ events to build stronger links between the diving community and scientific endeavors. With significant contributions of volunteer time from many highly skilled people, we are building a new community of research divers:

Science Week @ Under the Jungle

Northwestern Now:

New study constructs most extensive map yet of the cave system’s microbiome

Behold the underwater caves of Yucatán, home to diverse microbial communities

Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences News:

“I want to keep pushing forward and see environmental and Earth sciences flourish at Northwestern and in this world.”

Patricia Beddows continues shaping the future of underwater science

Inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame

I was both thrilled and humbled to join the ranks of these remarkable women – many of whom are researchers that played a role inspiring my own career.

Women Divers Hall of Fame

TEACHx 2021: Jumping the Institutional Gulf – Innovative Courses for Primary Data Skills

A cross-institution panel discussion on the successes, and ongoing challenges overcoming institutional, personal, and pedagogical barriers to running problem-based courses with hands-on instruments that combine aspects of engineering and environmental science.

Northwestern’s TEACHx series

Science and Tourism in the Rio Secreto Caves of the Yucatan Peninsula

Medill Reports
Article By Brittany Callan

The Maritime Maya and Building an Ancient Island Pyramid

Medill Reports
Article By Brittany Callan

Yucatan 2017 trip

Highlighted in
“Northwestern spring breakers pursue knowledge around the globe”

Cave-diving Northwestern geologist profile

Medill Reports
Article by Will Schutt

Northwestern professor contributes research on one of the oldest skeletons in North America

Daily Northwestern
Article by Rebecca Savransky

One of oldest human skeletons in North America is discovered

Press Release
Eureka Alert: 15 May

Diving for Bones

Live broadcast
WTTW – Chicago Tonight: May 27

Diving into the Underground for Research

Magazine article [PDF]
Women in Science Magazine (AWIS) pgs. 34-37

Cave Woman!

Northwestern Magazine article
http://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/fall2014/feature/cave-woman.html

Connecting Caves to Coral Reefs

CenterPiece Magazine Article  [PDF]
http://discover.northwestern.edu/stories/connecting-caves-coral-reefs

NOAA Ocean Exploration – Signature Exploration

Selected for full media presence development by NOAA for Exploring the Hidden Wold in the Maritime Maya – Contributing Author and Co-PI on project.
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/11maya/welcome.html

International Research Press Coverage – 5 newswires by UN-University (research funding agency)

Featuring publication of “Containmants in the coastal karst aquifer systems along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico”, including to Reuters (English, French, Spanish), United Press International, AFP Press Agency, EFE, IPS. Press generated in excess of 200 online story derivatives from 32 countries and print distribution of 2.5 million readership.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/release/2011/02/110206132900.html

Who knew Northwestern University had its own glacier? And now it’s melting fast

Instigated and supported writing of article on the Northwestern Glacier by Bentley, for Medill Report
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news

National Geographic “Diver Vanishes into Portal to the Maya Underworld”

Ranked second most watched video in 2010. Length 3:43

EPS Yucatan 2009 Video “Fun,Sun, and Science”

Coordinated production of documentary short film of the EPS experiential educational trip to the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico. Produced by Lauren Pond.Awarded First place, in the American Geological Institute Life in the Field Video Contest. Length 5:38

National Geographic

contracted to Sea Studios of Monterrey

Dirty Secrets

An episode of National Geographic’s Strange Days on Planet Earth. On-camera scientist and scientific advisor.

Coral Connections

Scientific Advisor

CBC: “Cave Research: Paleoenvironmental research in Rats Nest Cave”

On-camera scientist and research consultant. Aired nationally on Saturday Report + Provincially in Alberta on CBC News at Six in both Edmonton and Calgary

BBC: Secrets of Mayan Underworld

BBC Natural History Unit, Bristol, U.K.
Scientific advisor.

BBC: Planet Earth: Caves Released 2006.

BBC Natural History Unit, Bristol, U.K
Scientific advisor