Our lab works to quantify past environmental changes and understand the human contribution to these changes, particularly in relationship to climate. To do this, we use biological materials such as corals and algae as tools because they capture environmental characteristics including temperature in the properties of their skeleton. By measuring these chemical, physical, and biological skeletal properties, we can recreate past changes in the environment going back thousands of years. From these records, we can probe the mechanisms – including human activities – that cause our environment to change and determine the implications of these changes in the future. Since many regions are facing negative impacts from climate change, we work with these communities to help build resilience to our future world.
Our lab is affiliated with the Kravis Department of Integrated Science (KDIS) and the Roberts Environmental Center (REC) at Claremont McKenna College.
News
Branwen was installed as the George R. Roberts Professor of Integrated Sciences: Environmental Science. She gave a talk at the CMC Athenaeum to celebrate. .
The REC is featured through a piece Cultivating environmental leadership at CMC.
Branwen was quoted in an article in Canadian Geographic on the carbon implications of travel.
Visual Media
National Geographic Best Job Ever
National Geographic kids & Frozen in Time
Discovery Lecture Series presented by AltaSea and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Opportunities
5C students are always welcome into our lab. If you are interested in doing research with Branwen, please send her an email at bwilliams at cmc.edu.
The Roberts Environmental Center is hiring student research analysts and several different intern positions. Apply here: REC Application Information Page | Roberts Environmental Center (cmc.edu)
Contact Information
Dr. Branwen Williams,
George R. Roberts Professor of Integrated Sciences: Environmental Science
Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences
Director, Roberts Environmental Center
Claremont McKenna College
Email: bwilliams at cmc.edu
Editor: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Research portfolio: Google Scholar & Research Gate
Branwen Williams 