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Greetings, Seismic Enthusiasts!
Hi I’m Laura and I’m thrilled to share a peek into my world as the Community Seismology Officer for the Quake Shake outreach programme. I am passionate about earthquakes and I enjoy teaching the public about them. Whether chatting with members of the Quake Shake community, engaging with students in a classroom or meeting curious minds at outreach events like the BT Young Scientist, earthquake outreach is my passion.
A Bit About Me
As a child growing up near the enchanting Cooley Mountains in County Louth, my fascination with the natural world was ignited. I enjoyed trying to piece together the local tectonic story of the mountains and rocks. In secondary school I had a real passion for Geography especially the physical Geography chapter like Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity. I completed my undergraduate degree in Earth and Ocean Science in University of Galway. This is where I developed an interest in Geophysics. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), I surveyed the archaeological mound Rathcroghan in County. Roscommon. I have worked in Ireland and Oahu Hawaii using Electromagnetic techniques as a surveyor.
My Role
Many Irish people might not realise that earthquakes do indeed occur here. Although we are very fortunate, there is nothing to be worried about from a safety perspective our earthquakes are low magnitude that we don’t tend to feel them. It’s a common misconception that seismic events are distant occurrences, but the Quake Shake outreach programme is on a mission to change this perspective. Using small but extremely sensitive seismometers called Raspberry Shakes, Quake Shake is recording earthquakes not only in Ireland but from all around the Globe. My role as the Community Seismology Officer is to create a community of citizens seismologist here in Ireland. My role involves creating educational content, attending outreach events, and engaging with the Quake Shake community. Quake Shake strives to unveil the seismic stories beneath our feet, fostering awareness and understanding. Together, we’re dispelling the notion that earthquakes are distant phenomena and building a seismic savvy community right here in Ireland.
Outreach
I love working in outreach. A highlight for me is interacting with members of the public at outreach events. Kids and adults (of all ages) love jumping beside the seismometer and witnessing their ‘own earthquake’.
It is fun to watch peoples reactions of amazement when they learn that Ireland does experience earthquakes even though we are located many kilometres away from the edge of a plate boundary. I enjoy describing the Magnitude 2.5 Donegal 6th of May 2023 earthquake (See image below) to members of the public and showing them how it was recorded on multiple citizen Raspberry Shake seismometers.
Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about the prospect of further building a robust community of Citizen Seismologists right here in Ireland. I’m very fortunate, I get the opportunity to work with enthusiastic members of the public. Together, we’re set to create seismic ripples of knowledge and enthusiasm across the country. Stay tuned for seismic adventures ahead! Follow Quake Shake on Social media @Quakeshake_ on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube 🌍🔍
#QuakeShake
#CitizenSeismologists
#Earthquakes
#Outreach
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