Department of Earth Sciences
![Freshwater crayfish (top left) Lobster (lower left) and crab Tumidocarcinus giganteus (right) from New Zealand Freshwater crayfish (top left) Lobster (lower left) and crab Tumidocarcinus giganteus (right) from New Zealand](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/LobsterCrab1500w.jpg?VersionId=q3UfOu8tAtE9d.l9ln98kSfBzmRUZR2v&itok=jo4lfoJh)
![Research ship in the Arctic](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/allyson%20tessin%20story.jpg?VersionId=vMprEIxlNjPRqnhEEre5dKGK.tOcANcJ&h=1c9b88c9&itok=7-tmlRm4)
![arctic waters arctic waters](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/arctic%20water%20copy.jpg?VersionId=3d5un9xL7BXCQAbqIm2y0u6cSIcNZREJ&itok=X3ks5XnZ)
The Arctic region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with melting ice sheets having far-reaching consequences. Allyson Tessin, Ph.D., assistant professor in Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University’s Department of Earth Sciences, is conducting a study that seeks to shed light on the complex interactions between ice sheets, oceanic ecosystems and global climate patterns.
![Students testing the levels of the water table at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University at Stark Students testing the levels of the water table at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University at Stark](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20230216_BC_230063_Stark%20Classes_226.jpg?VersionId=sYHjZqI4o97aZbZyUa8NPb6rokEv3L2v&itok=7fbgBrt6)
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State at Stark offers unique learning experiences for students.
![Drone footage shows the freight train derailment, Feb. 6, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. (Photo courtesy of Ntsbgov/via Reuters) Drone footage shows the freight train derailment, Feb. 6, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. (Photo courtesy of Ntsbgov/via Reuters)](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Train%20derailment%20-%20photo%20courtesy%20of%20Ntsbgov-via%20Reuters.jpg?VersionId=A2OGxWErf9t1HcW_3fZlwzvbmFWuMLxp&itok=Jk4MbktU)
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University faculty members have been contacted by various media outlets to lend their expert opinions and insight as cleanup work, air monitoring, water testing and more continues following the Feb. 3 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
![Derailed Norfolk Southern rail cars in East Palestine, Ohio. Derailed Norfolk Southern rail cars in East Palestine, Ohio.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_0.jpg?VersionId=3WLp4z2dUDH2oszhfdz27X7h5gr3vTt2&itok=QqQEBqV5)
On Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, dozens of Norfolk Southern rail cars derailed, 11 of which contained hazardous materials. In an effort to start repairing the situation, Arcadis, an international company hired by the railroad company, has developed a plan to clean the air, ground and water in the village. Kuldeep Singh, Ph.D., assistant professor in Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State’s Department of Earth Sciences, reviews the cleanup plan.
![Research ship in the Arctic](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/allyson%20tessin%20story.jpg?VersionId=vMprEIxlNjPRqnhEEre5dKGK.tOcANcJ&h=1c9b88c9&itok=7-tmlRm4)
One of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University’s newest faculty members in the Department of Geology has already made her mark with the recent publication of her and her colleagues’ work to better understand the effects of global warming as it relates to the arctic ocean. Allyson Tessin, assistant professor, specializes in biochemistry, oceanography and sedimentary geology. She is currently studying the relationship between the chemistry of the ocean and climate change.
What was even more of a departure than taking classes remotely? Many summer research experiences were moved online this year as well. Fortunately, with creativity and an open mind, there are lots of opportunities to do important scientific research using online tools and data.