Erin Socha

Lawrence

Student and Freelance Journalist at Freelance

Non-trad student and freelance journalist. Hockey player, dog lover, plant enthusiast, tired lesbian. STEM communicator and Science writer. 🌱 🏒🏳️‍🌈

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Articles

Celebrate Earth Day with local ecologist at Prairie Park

1 week ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

Many people in Lawrence didn’t know what a treasure the town had, until it was almost lost. Prairie Park, in east Lawrence, is home to an incredibly rare parcel of remnant prairie. A remnant praire, or virgin prairie, is a parcel of grassland that has remained undeveloped by humans throughout its history—never tilled, farmed or put into service for human needs.
Kansas restoration ecologists work to improve Kansas River ecosystems

2 weeks ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

A yearslong project to restore riverbank ecosystems along the Kansas river in north Lawrence concluded on Tuesday, and restoration ecologists expressed hope that the work they’ve done will be carried into the future.
Reconnect with the outdoors: Best nature spots on campus

3 weeks ago | kansan.com | Janine Antoni |Erin Socha

As the weather warms up, students itching to experience a bit of the great outdoors can find a surprising amount right here on campus if they know where to look. From quiet study spots enhanced with native flowers to hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities, KU’s campus offers a wide variety of natural respites. “There’s a lot that people just don’t know about,” said Avery Johnsmeyer, president of the KU Botany Club and a sophomore studying microbiology and environmental studies.
Celebration of women in science event to be held at Dyche Hall this weekend

1 month ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

KU is celebrating Women’s History Month with the fourth annual Celebration of Women in Science on Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dyche Hall Natural History Museum. Featuring hands-on experiments and presentations from the women’s science community at KU, the event is focused on learning opportunities for all ages. “It’s a really great opportunity,” said Kelly Matsunaga, a paleobotanist and presenter at the event.
Local volunteer opportunities to explore this spring that help the environment

1 month ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

Students interested in learning about local ecology and volunteering their time for a good cause will find ample opportunities to get outside this spring with local conservation organizations. Grasslands Heritage Foundation (GHF) and Native Lands Restoration Collaborative (NLRC) are two nonprofits that offer hands-on learning experiences and are always in need of volunteers.
Green New Deal calls for divestment in fossil fuel energy, KU endowment says no plans to do so

1 month ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

Five months after the KU Student Senate passed the Green New Deal, one of its primary goals is facing a setback after the KU Endowment stated that it has no plans to divest from fossil fuel energy. The Green New Deal, a nonbinding resolution, articulates policy goals in eight areas, one of which is university funding and its reliance on fossil fuels. A nonbinding resolution is a statement by a political body that expresses an opinion but does not establish an action that must be legally followed.
Exploring the environmental cost of AI: AI's impact on water and energy

1 month ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

Two and half years since the release of ChatGPT, the AI gold rush shows no sign of slowing. For many, AI has made life easier. Students, researchers and professors have come to rely on the technology for tasks as complex as coding and as simple as schedule-making. Since its inception, much of the discussion in academia has centered on the ethics of using AI to complete a student’s work. Less well known is the impact these technologies have on the environment.
Author of edible plant book to hold seminar at Lawrence Public Library

2 months ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

Ethnobotanist Kelly Kindscher will present a seminar about edible native plants at the Lawrence Public Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for sale through the Kansas Land Trust. Kindscher has taught ethnobotany at KU for 25 years and is a senior scientist with the Kansas Biological Survey and Center for Ecological Research.
Douglas County Fairgrounds to host Kaw Valley Seed Fair

2 months ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

For the 16th year, the Kaw Valley Seed Fair will be taking place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in building 21 on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is free of charge“The Kaw Valley Seed Fair is the perfect way to start the year,” said Courtney Masterson, a local ecologist and executive director of the conservation organization Native Lands Restoration Collaborative.
Greenhouse in Haworth Hall offers tranquil study space for students

2 months ago | kansan.com | Erin Socha

Students looking for a respite from February temperatures can find a warm and welcoming environment at the KU greenhouse in Haworth Hall, thanks to greenhouse manager Dan Ruffing’s creation of a study space in the tropical plants room. Ruffing has been cultivating the space for almost a year, inviting both individual students and groups to take advantage of the unique and beautiful space. “I’m trying to get it out there,” Ruffing said.