Elizabeth L. Austin
Middlebury College
Environment
Elizabeth studies earth and climate science as well as environmental studies at Middlebury College. Her focus is on the emerging field of conservation paleontology, reconstructing earth’s past climate record to see where our future lies in the wake of anthropogenic climate change. Her specific research centers around using preserved plant material in Neotoma middens to create paleoclimate reconstructions which assist in urban greening practices. Elizabeth is also passionate about working to decolonize Western science practice by including stakeholders in justice-centered scientific research. Her research helps provide a baseline of where our climate has been and seeks to lead us into a just future.