Join us for an online evening of true, personal stories from Vassar College! On April 28, we’ll present a special lineup of stories on the theme of changing climates — whether they’re about responding to the challenges posed by our global climate or adapting to shifting environments in our everyday lives. Reserve your free spot and watch here or on the page below!
Hosted by Erin Barker and Katie Wu.
This show is supported by Vassar College Grand Challenges Program, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, the Henry Grillo Science Fund., and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Stories by:
Dr. Jenny Magnes was born in Würzburg, Germany in 1968. She came to the United States in 1988 for a vacation, but ended up deciding to stay. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a Psychology minor from the University of Maryland in 1995, while serving in the U.S. Army as a truck mechanic in Korea and Italy. Dr. Magnes went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Delaware State University in 1997. In 2000 and 2003 she earned her Masters and Doctorate from Temple University in Physics. 2003-2007 Dr. Magnes served as an Assistant Professor at the renowned U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY. Dr. Jenny Magnes is now serving as an Associate Professor of Physics at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Dr. Magnes has pioneered dynamic laser diffraction analysis in the application of chaotic motion in microscopic life. Together with her undergraduate students, Dr. Magnes aims to determine if free will exists. She publishes and presents her research results globally with her students. In her free time, she enjoys practicing karate as a 2nd degree blackbelt. Most of all, Dr. Magnes enjoys time with her friends and two children, Sophie and Sammy.
Lori Newman is an assistant professor in Psychological Science and Neuroscience & Behavior at Vassar College. While her curiosity about attention and memory began as an undergraduate at the College of William & Mary, her postdoctoral research into metabolism in astrocytes during cognition convinced her of the importance of these little support cells in the brain. In addition to her studies, the challenges of her own life’s journey demonstrated that support is essential to success. Having been fortunate to receive help from mentors, colleagues, and students, as well as friends and family, she promotes supportive environments as the best way to foster future scientists.
Wyn Zenni is an Environmental Studies major in her senior year at Vassar College. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as an environmental scientist and climate activist. She intends to achieve these goals through on-the-ground socioecological fieldwork and effective storytelling, sharing research with both scientific and general audiences. Wyn is especially interested in exploring community responses to climate change, environmental degradation, and species loss. Last spring, she traveled to Tanzania as part of a Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology program and examined the socioecological impacts of the Maziwe Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the nearby coastal community of Ushongo. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Maziwe MPA, Wyn interviewed fishermen and conducted daily snorkeling trips, gathering data on two bioindicator species: butterfly fish and acropora coral. You can find Wyn hiking in the Smoky Mountains, fostering kittens from the local shelter, mastering vegetarian cuisine, or out in the field doing what she loves.