Hello! My name is Samantha Tramontano (also known as Sam Tram, she/her), and I created these videos as part of my time pursuing a Master’s degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. I have since graduated from Vanderbilt and am now a PhD candidate and adjunct lecturer with positions at three City University of New York Campuses: The Graduate Center, Queens College, and the College of Staten Island. I received an undergraduate geology degree at the University of Rochester, NY, and completed a semester abroad and geology field camp at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ with the Frontier’s Abroad program.

My main scientific interests include the studies of volcanology, petrology, mineralogy, and thermodynamics. Much of my research examines the dynamics of magma chambers from a number of settings: intraplate, arc, and hot-spot, and the projects I’ve worked on often combine analytical geochemistry methods, field work, and computational thermodynamic modeling.

When I am not geologizing, I direct a STEM summer camp for girls in Brooklyn, New York with Curious Jane camps. My experiences and love for the performing arts (specifically saxophone and dancing – not at the same time) have shaped the way I think and learn, and I love attending live shows wherever and whenever I can. I was born and raised in Staten Island, NY, attended LaGuardia Arts High School in Manhattan, and currently reside in Brooklyn.

For any comments or suggestions, please email vuearthoptics@gmail.com