Lizz Utlee
Email
eultee@middlebury.edu
Office Hours
11am-12pm Monday and 1-2pm Tuesday

I am a glaciologist focused on describing the processes and societal impacts of glacier and ice sheet change. My work brings applied math and numerical modeling together with community-engaged scholarship, drawing on my background in mathematical physics (B.Sc., Queen’s University, Canada) and climate science (PhD, University of Michigan). Prior to joining the Middlebury faculty, I was a postdoctoral researcher at MIT and Georgia Tech.

Among my wide-ranging interests, some current focuses include: (1) constraining how fast glaciers and ice sheets can lose mass by iceberg calving; (2) understanding the contribution of changing glaciers to drought buffering in mountain regions, especially the Andes; and (3) developing statistical and computational methods to facilitate large-ensemble, probabilistic simulations of the Greenland Ice Sheet’s future.  I am happy to discuss collaborations on related projects with students and more senior colleagues.

Please visit my website for more details.

Courses Taught

Course Description

Natural Hazards
Despite increasing technological sophistication, modern civilization remains vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, extraterrestrial impacts, and other events. In this course we will consider the geologic mechanisms behind these hazards, the societal implications of these hazards, and approaches to reducing risk. Case studies will be combined with exploration of fundamental geologic concepts to provide students a foundation for understanding risk exposure and evaluating approaches to hazard management. (Not open to students who have taken GEOL 0112 or 0170) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc. (formerly GEOL 0111)

Terms Taught

Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Requirements

SCI

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Course Description

Climate Dynamics
In this course we will explore the interconnected components of Earth’s climate system, the laws governing their dynamics, and their changes over time. We will describe how we gather information about Earth’s climate and how we know it is changing. In a weekly laboratory, we will analyse real data and apply simple numerical models to draw conclusions about phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean, ice sheets, and more. A major goal of this course is for students to gain confidence in quantitative methods for studying the Earth system. Prereq: any 100-level course in ECSC. (ECSC majors or with instructor approval) Lecture/lab. (formerly GEOL 0202)

Terms Taught

Fall 2022, Spring 2024

Requirements

SCI

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Glaciology
In this course we will detail the fundamental role of ice in Earth's climate system, integrating insights from observation, theory, and computer modelling to form a cohesive understanding of glaciers and ice sheets. We will study the unique physics that allow glaciers to flow and break, the power of ice in shaping the landscape, and the flow of water from atmosphere to glacier to ocean and back again. Discussions will treat recent developments in glaciology, as well as the role of glaciology in society. A final project will invite students to develop expertise on a glaciological question of their choosing. (MATH 0122 and two 200-level courses in ECSC/GEOL, or by instructor approval; MATH 0223 is recommended) (formerly GEOL 0362)

Terms Taught

Fall 2023

Requirements

SCI

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Modern Climate Seminar
An advanced seminar for students with prior work in physical science of Earth's climate. We will survey current climate change research by reading, discussing, and writing about scientific literature. Assessment reports such as the US National Climate Assessment will form the foundation of our discussions. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to (1) read scientific papers, (2) identify key open questions in climate science research, and (3) relate scientific findings to common societal questions about climate action. 3hr seminar. (GEOL 0202, ECSC 0202, GEOL 0302 or ECSC 0302).

Terms Taught

Spring 2023

Requirements

SCI

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Readings and Research
Individual or group independent study, laboratory or field research projects, readings and discussion of timely topics in earth and environmental science. (Approval only) (formerly GEOL 0500)

Terms Taught

Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Research
Upon completion of ECSC 0400, all senior ECSC/GEOL majors will continue their independent senior thesis research by taking one unit of ECSC 0700. This research will culminate in a written thesis which must be orally defended. (Approval only) (formerly GEOL 0700)

Terms Taught

Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Natural Hazards
Despite increasing technological sophistication, modern civilization remains vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, extraterrestrial impacts, and other events. In this course we will consider the geologic mechanisms behind these hazards, the societal implications of these hazards, and approaches to reducing risk. Case studies will be combined with exploration of fundamental geologic concepts to provide students a foundation for understanding risk exposure and evaluating approaches to hazard management. (Not open to students who have taken GEOL 0112 or 0170) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2022

Requirements

SCI

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Dynamics of Earth's climate system
In this course we will explore the interconnected components of Earth’s climate system, the laws governing their dynamics, and their changes over time. We will describe how we gather information about Earth’s climate and how we know it is changing. In a weekly laboratory, we will analyse real data and apply simple numerical models to draw conclusions about phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean, ice sheets, and more. A major goal of this course is for students to gain confidence in quantitative methods for studying the Earth system. Prereq: any 100-level course in GEOL. (GEOL majors or with instructor approval) Lecture/lab.

Terms Taught

Spring 2022

Requirements

SCI

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Glaciology
In this course we will detail the fundamental role of ice in Earth's climate system, integrating insights from observation, theory, and computer modelling to form a cohesive understanding of glaciers and ice sheets. We will study the unique physics that allow glaciers to flow and break, the power of ice in shaping the landscape, and the flow of water from atmosphere to glacier to ocean and back again. Discussions will treat recent developments in glaciology, as well as the role of glaciology in society. A final project will invite students to develop expertise on a glaciological question of their choosing. (MATH 0122 and two 200-level courses in GEOL/GEOG, or by instructor approval; MATH 0223 is recommended)

Terms Taught

Fall 2021

Requirements

SCI

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Readings and Research
Individual or group independent study, laboratory or field research projects, readings and discussion of timely topics in earth and environmental science. (Approval only)

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Spring 2022

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Upon completion of GEOL 0400, all senior geology majors will continue their independent senior thesis research by taking one unit of GEOL 0700. This research will culminate in a written thesis which must be orally defended. (Approval only)

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Spring 2022

View in Course Catalog

Publications