WSU Department of Earth, Environment & Physics

05/29/2026

This weekend, look up for a view you only get once in a blue Moon! 🌕

The second full Moon in a calendar month is sometimes called a "blue Moon" (which has nothing to do with its color, FWIW).

Speaking of Moon colors… though depending on your view the Moon can appear more red, blue, brown, or even purple, the Moon's true color — varying shades of gray and white — depends on the elements and compounds present on the lunar surface, and the light they reflect back out into space.

The amount of light the Moon absorbs vs. reflects back to space is called its albedo. Basically, it’s a measure of how “shiny” the Moon is! ✨

Every planetary body in our solar system has its own albedo. Which do you think has a higher albedo – the Earth or the Moon?

Find out 👉 go.nasa.gov/3Rzk0gA

05/18/2026

Congratulations to our graduates! 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓🥳

📷: Nabin Malakar & Bill Hansen
Image descriptions:
1.-2. Students (top photo) and faculty (bottom photo) are eagerly waiting for commencement to begin on Saturday at the DCU Center.

05/14/2026

Looking for an internship?

An internship can be a launchpad to an exciting career!🚀

Don't wait until the final countdown to apply. We're accepting applications for Fall 2026 NASA internships now!

Find the opportunity that's right for you & apply. Details in this week's EXPRESS: https://conta.cc/4eF8F84

05/06/2026

On Tuesday, DEEP faculty and staff members celebrated department milestones. Congratulations to Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Stephens for receiving tenure; Dr. Lavrentovich, Dr. Reynolds and Kerry Popp for receiving promotions; and Dr. Armstrong for receiving the Alden Award!
Image description: Members of DEEP enjoying a meal together in Tatnuck Square.

05/06/2026

Are you looking for a job?

Join our collaborative team as an Environmental Analyst to support the Mohawk River Basin Program. Help conserve, restore, and protect the water quality and natural resources of the Mohawk River through applied research and ecosystem-based management. This position is based in Albany at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation office. Learn more: https://ow.ly/8aJu50YV3yl

05/05/2026

Congratulations to Kyleigh Sutherland for winning first place at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity for her poster "Examining Factors Influencing Soil Carbon at a Local Farm in Princeton, MA."🏆

📷: Kyleigh Sutherland
Image description: Kyleigh stands with her poster in the Competition Gym of the Wellness Center.

05/04/2026

Congratulations to Justin Gagnon for winning second place at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity for his poster "Assessing Groundwater Contributions to Surface Water Chemistry in Tatnuck Brook Using Thermal and Chemical Indicators."🏆

📷: Justin Gagnon
Image description:
1. Justin presents his research to attendees at the poster event in the Competition Gym of the Wellness Center.
2. Justin stands with his poster.

05/03/2026

Congratulations to Ani Matevosian & Brady Carlin for winning third place at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity for their poster "STEM Identity and Sense of Belonging in Worcester State Students." 🏆
Image description: Brady and Ani stand with their poster in the Competition Gym of the Wellness Center.

05/02/2026

Part II - Congratulations to all of our students who presented at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity last week! Stay tuned for the award winners…
Image descriptions:
1. Group photo of Jake Krisiak, Devis Kadi, Dr. Burkhardt, Zach Stomski, and Kyle McGown.
2. Group photo of Xin Xiong, Dr. Malakar, and Laxmikant Paropkari.
3. Group photo of Queenstar Gyamfi, Dr. Malakar, and Winner Sheriff.
4. Devis presenting his research to attendees.
5. Laxmikant Paropkari with his electronic poster.
6. Bekah Dorman and Will Demers with their poster.
7. Xin Xiong with his electronic poster.
8. Will Demers with a second poster.
9. A view of the poster session at the Competition Gym in the Wellness Center.

05/01/2026

Part I - Congratulations to all of our students who presented at the Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity last week! More photos to come…
1. Isac Wandiba stands with his poster.
2. Sarah Forrest and Kaia Sharon stand with their poster.
3. Emily Walls stands with her poster.
4. Max Gunnerson and Tung Nguyen with their poster.
5. Amelia Skiba Terrinha with her poster.
6. Sean Hicks with his poster.
7. Larissa Oliveira Cubias-Souza with her poster.
8. Rowan Buck with his poster.
9. Maria Vazquez with her poster.