Event: “The Age and Environmental Implications of Deccan Volcanism”
Type: Outreach Seminars and Interaction
Organizer: Jahnavi Punekar, Department of Earth Sciences, IITB
Abstract:
In a highly impactful event on February 1st, more than 90 participants from IIT Bombay's Department of Earth Sciences and the IDPCS, alongside 15 participants each from St. Xavier’s College and K. J. Somaiya College, Mumbai, engaged in enriching Outreach Talks. Renowned speakers, including Prof. Gerta Keller from Princeton University, covered diverse topics related to the Deccan volcanic province, ranging from micropalaeontology and biostratigraphy to geochronology, geochemistry, and magnetic susceptibility. The talks facilitated a deeper understanding of scientific revolutions and the Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary debate. Following the sessions, students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity for formal and informal interactions with the speakers. The discussions extended into collaborative meetings, where faculty members explored research problems and potential thrust areas in Deccan studies. Prof. Gerta Keller also conducted an enlightening session on career advice, addressing challenges in geosciences careers, scientific writing, and academia. The event served as a networking platform for students, allowing them to connect with distinguished speakers, discuss science, and explore future career opportunities. Notably, Ms. Namrata Kolachalam, a freelance journalist, added media visibility to the Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Bombay by attending both days, interacting with speakers, students, and touring the department. The talks not only strengthened ongoing collaborations with Geosciences Princeton University but also showcased the department's contributions to the Deccan-K-Pg debate, solidifying its position as a hub for impactful research in the field.