Chat with a Scientist: Renewable Energy

The New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with Queens Public Library and CIV:LAB, invites students to register for our Chat with a Scientist series of events. This free virtual event series spotlights the diversity of STEM professionals and their careers, and creates a casual space where youth can engage with and learn from real scientists.

Each Chat with a Scientist event will last for 60 minutes and feature 2 scientists who will talk about their paths into science, the work they currently do and, most importantly, answer questions directly from participants.  Our goal is to provide young people with relatable role models, raise awareness of the breadth of STEM careers, and spark a lifelong love of science. The series of events covers a wide variety of scientific paths from renewable energy to sustainable food production. You can register for any single event or for the entire series of events.

These events are geared towards middle school and high school students and families, though all are welcome to join.

This series is made possible by the Newtown Creek Environmental Benefit Fund, administered by City Parks Foundation, and funded by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Who you'll meet:

Amanda Colombo
Project Development Analyst, Safari Energy

• Where did you grow up? Wallington, NJ (right near giants stadium)
• Where did you go to school? Saint Peter’s University for undergrad and New York University for my Master’s
• Describe your work in 5 words: Accelerating the clean energy transition
• Why do you love science? Science is happening all around us! It is so important and such a significant role in understanding our world.
• Who is someone who inspired you to go into STEM? Definitely my Dad- he pushed me and really taught me that whatever I want to achieve, with hard work and a positive attitude, it’s obtainable.
• Favorite activities/hobbies outside of work: Playing and coaching volleyball!
• A book recommendation: Project Drawdown! Has a list of climate solutions that were studied and expanded on by scientists and researchers around the world.

Obste Therasme
Assistant Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• Where did you grow up? Dessalines, Haiti (in the Caribbean)
• Where did you go to school?  State University of Haiti for my bachelor in chemistry, Syracuse University for my master in chemical engineering, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for my PhD.
• Describe your work in 5 words: Energy system analysis and modeling
• Why do you think science is important? Science helps to save lives.
• Who is a person who inspired you to go into STEM? My older brother was a great source of inspiration for me. 
• What are your favorite activities/hobbies outside of work? Reading, playing soccer, and hiking
• A book recommendation:  “Harnessing the Heat Beneath Our Feet: Geothermal Energy” by Hamm and Metcalfe (2019). This is fascinating to me because it is not exactly a book but a scientific article written for and reviewed by young minds. There are many other short articles for young minds on this website