Dr. Suzanne O’Connell: Ocean Drilling & Climate Records Beneath the Seafloor
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Suzanne O’Connell, professor of Earth and Environmental Science at Wesleyan University and a leader in climate research and scientific ocean drilling.
Dr. O’Connell takes us on a fascinating journey through her career, beginning with a switch from biology to geology that led her to the decks of the Glomar Challenger. There, she became immersed in the world of plate tectonics and deep-sea sampling—setting the stage for a lifetime of research into Earth’s ancient climate history.
“Studying polar regions and climate change is like watching the past and future collide.” – Dr. Suzanne O’Connell
Listeners get an inside look at her work in the polar regions, where she’s explored how the formation of ice at the poles has altered ocean circulation and accelerated global climate shifts. She explains how deep-sea sediments act as a living archive—preserving a record of Earth’s climate spanning millions of years.
We also talk about her advocacy work in gender equity. Dr. O’Connell shares insights from her book “Women in the Geosciences: Practical Strategies towards Parity” and her involvement in the NSF ADVANCE Program, which promotes equity and retention for women in science.
This episode offers a compelling mix of scientific insight, personal storytelling, and a powerful call to action for inclusion and innovation in climate research.