The first page of a chapter written by me, entitled FINDING YTTRIUM: JOHAN GADOLIN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DISCOVERY doi.org/10.1142/9789819813858_0002
The cover of the new book Discovering the Elements: No Simple Stories, edited by Brigitte van Tiggelen and Annette Lykknes
My work on the discovery of yttrium is finally out in the world! 😭
The first page of a chapter written by me, entitled FINDING YTTRIUM: JOHAN GADOLIN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DISCOVERY doi.org/10.1142/9789819813858_0002
The cover of the new book Discovering the Elements: No Simple Stories, edited by Brigitte van Tiggelen and Annette Lykknes
My work on the discovery of yttrium is finally out in the world! 😭
SW: I think Humans: A Monstrous History was the highest quality because it looked at multiple aspects of what the line between humans and machines were. LP: I really enjoyed all of the parts from Humans: A Monstrous History. To me this piece touched on a lot of different themes and ideas when it comes to science in this class. I think it has the most synergy with every other work. Because of this it was the easiest to make relations to other works and really understand what it was talking about. Instead of engaging with one topic that it develops through the piece it explores a range of examples and perspectives which made the entire work feel fresh. I also really liked how it helped me think about the way I define words like monster or zombie. Overall I liked this piece the most because even though it was short I explored the most ideas in it. AM: “Introduction,” “Voudun & Zombiism,” and “Machines,” from Humans: A Monstrous History (2025) has really stuck with me because of the wide application of the definintion of "monster" used. It is hard not to apply it everywhere in my daily life now.
JC: The work "Humans: A Monstrous History" was really impactful for me because it really shifted my perspective on monsters and why/how they were created and retained through human history. It brought in classic examples of monsters with historical or cultural relevance, demonstrating how the monster is a reflection of human biases or judgments and overall, a reflection of society. I think it really stuck with me because it provided so many examples and types within each section; for instance , the Robots section included various topics such as androids, uncanny valley, cyborgs, AI and more and their significance in human society. JE: I think Humans: A Monstrous History has stuck with me. I had nevr really looked into how monsters are defined and I feel like I keep coming back to the framework that they use in these chapters. I also keep thinking about its discussion of AI and robotics, practically any time I see any headlines about new developments in the industry. I think the issue it illustrates of maintaining our humanity in the face of these evolving industries is really powerful.
I would say so! I'm attaching here some 'testimonials' from the mid-semester survey.
We read 'Introduction' and the 'Voudun & Zombiism' subsection in our Jurassic Park/Frankenstein unit (Oh No I've Created a Monster), then 'Machines' was the bridge to the AI/Big Data Systems unit
Just in time for me to update my order at the campus bookstore! I assigned the Machines chapter to my Science & Lit class this semester, and next semester I’m assigning the whole thing :D
The APS is seeking applicants for a four-month fellowship this summer to research their garden and botanical collections!
Applications due by April 19, fellow will ideally start in May.
More info here:
So I’ve got this protein bar that since Sept has now been to Manchester, Luxembourg, London, New Orleans, LA, and twice to Chicago. I just took it to Stockholm, and yesterday brought it back home safely again
In the foreground, a boat flying a Swedish flag; in the background, a view across the water to the Mariaberget overlook neighborhood of the Södermalm island of Stockholm
A cafe table with a vase of tulips, a blue plate with a braided cardamom bun, and an oat latte in a cut glass tumbler
Älskade Stockholm!
Världens allra bästa stad 💙
If someone even applies to a program or position they are owed acknowledgment and gratitude for their work
Fun fact: In Jurassic Park, Ian Malcolm’s famous anti-tech speech basically quotes More Work For Mother
…then completely ignores half the point
This lunch includes all five of the main Dutch food groups: cheese, cucumber, geometry, boredom and sorrow, with most of the vitamin content provided by the soul-destroying view of endless flatness spilling off the far-flung horizon.
I’ve got one of those, and 2 out of ~11 productive seminar meetings is a big chunk of the semester. But I’m stranded on the west coast till the airport is functional again, so asynchronous it is
A photo of the campus of Pomona College on a bright and sunny day with snow capped mountains is the background
A screenshot of the weather forecast where every day is in the 60s and sunny
On the one hand, it sucks that my flights keep getting cancelled and I’m now stranded by this storm for at least two extra days now. I would much rather be at home.
On the other hand, I guess I can think of worse places to be stuck right now
Image of a decal with a cartoon beaker containing a cheerful hedgehog and the number 6.022x10^23 (the number of particles in a mole)
Image of a sticker with a cartoon image of a splashing half a glass of water reading “Technically it’s always full” with the water labeled H2O and the air labeled O2
Thinking of buying this pack of science enthusiasm decals for the absurdist humor of being……almost there
It’s not a meaningful error, but it is repeated throughout, and it’s one I’ve never seen in 14 years working on it
Pronouncing it eee-trium now
BBC What are rare earth elements? Rare earth elements appear on the critical minerals lists of many countries. With important electrical and magnetic qualities, rare earths consist of 17 elements in the lanthanide group of the periodic table, plus scandium and yytrium. They are vital in microchips, which are crucial for almost every sector from defence to healthcare. Other uses include: Yytrium - laser technology used in communications and medical procedures Neodymium - permanent magnets for electric vehicles and renewable energy Lanthanum - rechargeable batteries With the explosion of AI and green energy the demand for these minerals has soared and is expected to increase, according to the International Energy Agency. However, despite their name, rare earth elements are not that rare. For example, neodymium is found at 20 parts per million in the Earth's crust, in comparison copper is at 27.
“yytrium”
Somewhat disorienting mix in my inbox this morning of being addressed as Professor by my students but as Ms. by various professors (despite my lengthy institutional email signature)
2026 HSS Dissertation Travel Grant Applications are Open We are excited to announce that applications for the new HSS Dissertation Travel Grant are now open. This grant supports dissertation research activities, with an emphasis on travel to sources, for PhD students in the history of science and technology working on their dissertation proposal or dissertation itself. Graduate student members from any university are eligible to apply. The application includes a two-page, single-spaced research proposal, two-page cv, a short budget detailing anticipated expenses, and a letter of support from a faculty member in the applicant's program. Individual grants may be up to US$2,500. Applications will be open until Tuesday, March 31.
HSS Dissertation Travel Grant to support travel to sources for PhD students in history of science and technology working on their dissertation. Grants may be up to US$2,500. Grad students from any university are eligible
Deadline Tuesday, March 31.
hssonline.org/page/dissert...
#HPS
A tabby and white cat on a blue sofa, showing his belly with paw curled
A tabby and white cat on a blue sofa, showing his belly with paw and foot curled
A tabby and white cat on a blue sofa, showing his belly with paw holding outstretched legs
A tabby and white cat on a blue sofa, showing his belly with legs outstretched and paw curled over his eyes
Gary
Pink blob cartoon person with arms up saying “oh no” (iconic final panel of most strips in the comic series Webcomic Name by Alex Norris)
Genuinely I’m happy not going to concerts anymore bc the summer that came out I saw Robyn and Kelis on the All Hearts Tour at the 9:30 club and nothing will *ever* come close
Applications for 2026-27 fellowships at @sciencehistory.org are still open until Jan 15, with recommendations due Jan 31! ⏰📚
Could your research benefit from time in our archives, rare books, instruments, and other collections? Find info about our fellowships and our guide for applicants here!
I hear you. I have a couple of pieces in the works on rare earths and Scandinavia and it feels gross just trying to keep the intros updated. Less than zero desire to spin off something public
It’s time to apply for fellowships at @scihistoryorg.bsky.social!
⏰ All apps are due January 15
⏰ Rec letters for research fellowships are due January 31
(No rec letters for curatorial fellowships)
Imagine if you were a sports fan but every year your team won the championship and you knew exactly when it would happen. #9LC
We always include a Christmas Day rebroadcast also!
Thank you for this btw!! Was not familiar but I’m definitely teaching JP and I love this for context
By a fluke of funding, I’ll be attending my first AHA in a few weeks. Event specific advice welcome!
Friends, let me know if you’ll be there! And if you’d like to perhaps get a coffee and learn more about SHI fellowships, collections, scholarly programs, and academic partnerships :)
Applications for 2026-27 fellowships at @sciencehistory.org are still open until Jan 15, with recommendations due Jan 31! ⏰📚
Could your research benefit from time in our archives, rare books, instruments, and other collections? Find info about our fellowships and our guide for applicants here!
Let me know if you’d like me to email the syllabus from my scientific instruments seminar you zoomed into in spring 22!
If I could ask, did you read Everland? And if so, do you think it would be good for discussing in an undergrad STS seminar looking at portrayals of science in fiction?