MEET THE STUDENT RESEARCHER
EMILY FISCHER
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT, SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION
What is the focus of your work? My project is part of an independent study overseen Dr. Melissa Tully, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The focus of my work is to produce an original podcast about climate change in the Midwest. My podcast, called Heating Up, shows audiences how climate change in the Midwest differs from climate change on the coasts. I talk to experts in the field – scientists, professors, policy makers, and community leaders. With their help, I illustrate the economic, social, and environmental impacts of climate change on our communities. In the past, I interned with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and learned a lot about the ways that American audiences receive information about climate change. This inspired me to create a platform that could educate audiences in the Midwest about climate impacts, which are often indirect and difficult to recognize. Tell us about the broad impact it has/could have. We often think of climate change as rising sea levels and disastrous hurricanes, but climate change looks different in each region. It’s important for us as Midwesterners to recognize the ways that climate change impacts our communities so that we can find ways to mitigate these impacts. I hope that audiences who hear my podcast can relate to the conversations that I’m having with scientists and community members. Hopefully, that will motivate people to get involved in climate mitigation and conservation in their communities.
What excites you about the environment in CLAS? CLAS is multidisciplinary. Researchers in CLAS acknowledge that important research combines multiple fields of study to spark innovation and enact change. My professors have encouraged me to be creative when identifying problems and seeking solutions. As a student in CLAS, I’m able to apply my communications skills and passion for science to a variety of projects – my internship, podcast, student organization, and personal hobbies. I’m really excited about how much I’ve grown over the past four years and how I can apply the skills that I’ve collected to my future career pursuits. What are your hobbies and pursuits outside of work? When I’m not working on my podcast, I like to read and stay active. I’m originally from Minnesota and spend as much time as I can outside. I hike, kayak, hammock, paddle board, and run outdoors whenever the weather is nice enough. I also love to cook and bake, and I’m constantly testing new recipes on my friends. What are your favorite things to do in Iowa City? I’m a foodie, so I love to eat at Iowa City’s amazing restaurants! My running favorites are Short’s, Oasis, and Baroncini – but I’m always looking for new places to try. I also love going to Lake MacBride State Park and paddleboarding – it’s a great way to spend a summer day!
24 I College of Liberal Arts and Sciences • clas.uiowa.edu
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