Humans are facing a global environmental challenge that is unlike anything our species has ever encountered. This problem requires an “all hands on deck” approach that involves cooperation of scientists across all disciplines. A major part of the solution is to develop an accurate physical understanding of how our Earth's climate system operates, both under natural conditions and also when perturbed by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. The recent geologic past bears witness to spectacular climatic changes that dwarf anything that has happened during the time in which people have been collecting meteorological data. 

I had an experience of a lifetime. I got the chance to step out of my comfort zone and live in a different environment than I’m used to. I feel everyone should try it at some point in their life because it can really change your mindset. I expected to feel out of place or have a lot of attention drawn to me as an African American in China; a lot of people in China have never seen an African American person before, so I was a main attraction. At some moments I felt I should stay because I felt more loved there than back at home. I learned that I am not only an intelligent young woman, but a strong one. I am proud of myself for being able to do the things that I have done on this trip. I never thought in a million years that I would be able to walk and climb mountains, let alone mountains in China, without passing out from exhaustion. However, I climbed mountains and came back down with my health still intact. I learned more about how global warming is getting worse, and how it can be related to many problems the world is battling now. I also learned what 10Be cosmogenic-nuclide dating is and how it is used by scientists to determine glacier recession.

Maya's Presentation from 2017 AGU Fall Meeting

In 2006, I was sitting next to Dr. Wallace Broecker at the Gary Comer Youth Center ribbon cutting. I asked how the Comer Fellows research programs were going. "Very well!” he replied. I answered, "If you ever need help, I would be happy to volunteer." Little did I know then that my offer would lead to working with some of the finest professors and brightest students that I will ever have the good fortune to know.

In 2007, I joined Comer Fellow Aaron Putnam’s team in New Zealand. Aaron was beginning his PhD program. In 2016, he invited me to work with his field team in Mongolia. At sunset one evening, I watched Professor Aaron Putnam and his team hike up a large moraine to camp. The team included one high school student, three undergraduate students, a graduate student, a doctoral student, and one journalism student (a Medill Comer Scholar.) In 2017, the cycle continued in China as Aaron taught a new generation of students. It has been amazing to offer my assistance and to watch as the chain grows longer.

Organizing a research trip for ten people traveling over 14,000 miles for 5 weeks of field work takes months of preparation and planning. Applying for research permits, coordinating with international universities, visas, flights, arranging drivers and vehicles, lodging, gear, satellite communication, drones for mapping, batteries, generators to charge batteries, laptops and GPS units, tents, sleeping bags, first aid kits, supplies for sample collection and safe drinking water, and everything I forgot to mention.  

Awareness and preparedness are critical to a safe and successful field expedition. Ensuring that everyone returns home safely is the goal of every trip. Before travel, we request a health record from all participants. There is no access to emergency care in many remote field locations. This is not the time to find out about a physical condition that could jeopardize an individual, or worse, the entire research trip. Team leaders must be aware of all medications, allergies, physical limitations and prior injuries that could limit a participant’s ability to complete his or her field research.

Even the best laid plans are subject to change. The day before we set off for our field site at 14,500 feet in the Tibetan Plateau, we discovered our plan to drive to a hotel for meals wasn’t optimal. The research team needed to stay in the field so that they could work from daybreak to dark. The night before our departure, we decided on a Plan B. I can contribute here—I like to cook! We had our camping gear, but nothing for food preparation. What fun this scavenger hunt would be. We needed a food tent, a stove, tables, utensils, large teapots to sterilize drinking water, woks, plates, bowls, silverware, buckets for hauling water, thermoses. We needed food for 12 people for 12 days by 11:00 AM the next day. I put together a menu and a grocery list. We set out for the market where, with Dr. Kong translating, we found everything we needed. The market stretched for what seemed to be a city block of vendors.  We bought tofu, cabbage, eggplants, daikon, carrot, fresh shitakes, enoki mushrooms, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, peas, lentils, long beans, fresh noodles, rice, pork, beef, dried fish, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, spices, nuts, breads, apples, oranges, bananas and 130 instant noodle dinners. We loaded the provisions into the gear van and headed down the road to camp. I was the new camp cook. Plan B accomplished! 

As an elder member of the group, I found that my life experience helped navigate day-to-day situations. I recognized an opportunity to enrich the experience for the students by encouraging them to take initiative, to work together, and to push their boundaries. I also know that lending a helping hand or a word of encouragement goes a long way. For a volunteer, this has been a rewarding experience, and more than I could ever have hoped for.