Dr. Melissa Berke: Reconstructing Tropical Water Cycles Through Plant Biomarkers
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we dive into the fascinating world of paleoclimatology and water cycle dynamics with Dr. Melissa Berke, a climate scientist whose research uses plant wax biomarkers preserved in lake sediments to unlock Earth’s climate history.
Melissa walks us through her research in reconstructing past tropical rainfall patterns and vegetation shifts by analyzing isotopic signatures from ancient plant waxes. These subtle traces hold vital clues to how the Earth’s water cycle responded to temperature changes over thousands of years—information that’s critical for predicting future climate behavior.
“You have to push the boundaries, and that’s where the real learning happens.” – Dr. Melissa Berke
From fieldwork in tropical rift lakes to lab-based chemical analysis, Melissa’s interdisciplinary work blends geology, chemistry, and environmental science. She also reflects on the importance of community-driven science, sharing how her involvement with Engineers Without Borders at Notre Dame helps link scientific knowledge with real-world impact.
Throughout the episode, we discuss mentorship, the role of women in climate science, and the power of collaborative research. Melissa’s journey inspires a deeper understanding of the Earth and reminds us that sustainable solutions start with curious minds and bold questions.