Rachel Lense (she/her) (@rachellense@c.im)

Rachel Lense (she/her)Y'all know that nasty, stinky green goop that covers your local freshwater lake or pond? It's probably an algal bloom harming the ecosystem (and potentially you and your family. Pro tip: don't drink the water!). Learn how cows, corn, and climate change are perpetuating these blooms and what we can do about them in my latest piece here: <a href="https://www.healthylakes.org/latest-updates/farming-phosphorus-when-growing-life-hurts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no">https://www.healthylakes.org/latest-updates/farming-phosphorus-when-growing-life-hurts</a><a href="https://c.im/tags/SciComm" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SciComm</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/science" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#science</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/agriculture" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#agriculture</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/FarmBill" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#FarmBill</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/GreatLakes" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#GreatLakes</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/LakeErie" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#LakeErie</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/ecology" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#ecology</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/corn" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#corn</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/ClimateChange" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#ClimateChange</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Hey, <a href="https://c.im/tags/bookstodon" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#bookstodon</a> -- I'm currently reading Catch-22 for the first time and didn't know anything about it going in (other than it's always in those lists of must-read Americana) and am finding it 1.) hilarious, and 2.) reminiscent of Seinfeld for me. Anyone else have this experience? I just love how the characters have so many circuitous conversations that amount to basically nothing. <a href="https://c.im/tags/writingcommunity" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#writingcommunity</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/books" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#books</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Okay, Mastodon. It's been a while since I've posted something science-y, so here ya go: You should _definitely_ watch this clip of a possibly as-yet-undescribed species of cirrate octopus (family Cirroteuthidae) ballooning itself to epic proportions! <a href="https://youtu.be/woTi--GCzwM?t=1249" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no">https://youtu.be/woTi--GCzwM?t=1249</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/SciComm" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SciComm</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Science" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Science</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/ScienceMastodon" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#ScienceMastodon</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/DeepSea" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#DeepSea</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/MarineLife" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#MarineLife</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Octopus" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Octopus</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Animals" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Animals</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Played a fun drawing mashup game the other day that folks here on Mastodon will appreciate. 🦣 <a href="https://c.im/tags/art" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#art</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/doodle" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#doodle</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/drawing" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#drawing</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/animal" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#animal</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/mashup" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#mashup</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/MastoArt" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#MastoArt</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Heyo, <a href="https://c.im/tags/DMV" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#DMV</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/SciComm" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SciComm</a> folks! <a href="https://c.im/tags/DCSWA" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#DCSWA</a> is hosting its annual Professional Development Day NEXT WEEK (Saturday, May 6th) at George Washington University in DC. I'll be co-hosting the panel on <a href="https://c.im/tags/SolutionsJournalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SolutionsJournalism</a> if you want to meet me in person! Here's the link for more info: <a href="https://dcswa.wildapricot.org/event-5204611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no">https://dcswa.wildapricot.org/event-5204611</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Finally checked out ChatGPT tonight. Now _this_ is a good generated <a href="https://c.im/tags/sonnet" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#sonnet</a>, but it's still not *quite* there, IMO. What do you think? <a href="https://c.im/tags/AI" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#AI</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/ChatGPT" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#ChatGPT</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/poetry" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#poetry</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#technology</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Shakespeare" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Shakespeare</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/WinnieThePooh" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#WinnieThePooh</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Here's a callout to all the <a href="https://c.im/tags/SciComm" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SciComm</a> folks in the upper <a href="https://c.im/tags/Midwest" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Midwest</a> (I'm talking <a href="https://c.im/tags/Minnesota" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Minnesota</a>, <a href="https://c.im/tags/NorthDakota" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#NorthDakota</a>, <a href="https://c.im/tags/SouthDakota" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SouthDakota</a>, <a href="https://c.im/tags/Iowa" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Iowa</a>, <a href="https://c.im/tags/Wisconsin" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Wisconsin</a>, and sometimes <a href="https://c.im/tags/Michigan" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Michigan</a> if you feel so inclined): Science Writers of the Upper Midwest (aka <a href="https://c.im/tags/SWUM" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SWUM</a>) is having their monthly virtual event this Sunday, January 15th. Be sure to attend! Networking is good for you, especially in a region as vast (and cold) as this one! Plus, I'm nice--I promise. Maybe we'll even make Ole and Lena jokes and make fun of our accents. Who knows the bounds of fun that we'll have? Just be sure to RSVP and add it to your calendar: <a href="https://www.meetup.com/science-writers-of-the-upper-midwest-swum/events/290855386/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no">https://www.meetup.com/science-writers-of-the-upper-midwest-swum/events/290855386/</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)I'm sure I've mentioned it before, and I will probably mention it again, but I'm happy I don't have to lug my <a href="https://c.im/tags/DSLR" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#DSLR</a> everywhere I go. Having a capable <a href="https://c.im/tags/camera" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#camera</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/lens" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#lens</a> on my phone (a <a href="https://c.im/tags/pixel" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#pixel</a>) gives me the freedom to clamber over slippery rocks at low tide without worrying about damaging expensive equipment and still allowing me to capture great images. <a href="https://c.im/tags/photography" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#photography</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/landscape" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#landscape</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#maine</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/reflection" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#reflection</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/PictureOfTheDay" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#PictureOfTheDay</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)One of the best parts about owning large <a href="https://c.im/tags/dogs" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#dogs</a> is that dressing them up is easy--they wear what I wear! 😅 Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄 <a href="https://c.im/tags/Christmas" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Christmas</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Dogstodon" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Dogstodon</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/DogsOfMastodon" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#DogsOfMastodon</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/RoughCollies" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#RoughCollies</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)A lot of folks like to quote <a href="https://c.im/tags/MargaretAtwood" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#MargaretAtwood</a> today since it's December 21st, the <a href="https://c.im/tags/WinterSolstice" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#WinterSolstice</a>, and she has a pretty famous poem about it, but they don't realize it's actually part of a larger piece that's equally as wonderful. It's called "Shapechangers in Winter" and a few years ago, I added some of my photography to the verses to, well, I dunno, why do any of us produce art? It felt like it added to the effect of the words themselves. So here: enjoy "Shapechangers in Winter" by Margaret Atwood on this long dark winter solstice. <a href="https://c.im/tags/Poetry" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Poetry</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Nature" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Nature</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Solstice" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Solstice</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)It finally happened. I am done. I HAVE FINISHED MY MASTER'S DEGREE!!! In celebration of this monumental occasion (and <a href="https://c.im/tags/caturday" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#caturday</a> of course), I give to you fine folks of Mastodon: 3 of my 4 fur babies cuddled up together on my bed. (This never happens and was truly a moment to celebrate.) ❤️ <a href="https://c.im/tags/DogsOfMastodon" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#DogsOfMastodon</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/CatsOfMastodon" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#CatsOfMastodon</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/GraduateSchool" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#GraduateSchool</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)I started a new job today feeding <a href="https://c.im/tags/horses" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#horses</a> and turning them out to their fields a couple times a week. Doesn't pay a lot, but I enjoy working with horses, and at least it's some income while I try out this freelance writing stuff.Anyway, this morning, I met Mr. Mosley. I don't know what kind of <a href="https://c.im/tags/horse" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#horse</a> he is (other than a cutie pie!), but before I left for the day, I noticed he was endowed with this beautiful <a href="https://c.im/tags/moustache" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#moustache</a>. May it bless you today as it has most assuredly blessed me. 💈<a href="https://c.im/tags/Animals" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Animals</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Mustache" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Mustache</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Blessed" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Blessed</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)It is with the committee gods now. Hopefully there are no egregious style guide errors to be found therein... 🙏 <a href="https://c.im/tags/thesis" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#thesis</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/GraduateSchool" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#GraduateSchool</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/AlmostDone" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#AlmostDone</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Happy Monday, everyone! Enjoy this photo I snapped about this time last year with some of my <a href="https://c.im/tags/horse" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#horse</a> friends I volunteer with. Mornings on the farm with them are the perfect way to start the week--I hope it can bring you some joy as well. 🌄 <a href="https://c.im/tags/EquineTherapy" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#EquineTherapy</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/HorseFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#HorseFarm</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/Animals" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#Animals</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)YES! This is the kind of social sharing I can get behind. <a href="https://c.im/tags/7books" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#7books</a> to get to know me (although 7 really isn't enough... There are important holes in this list!): 📖 "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan 📖 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 📖 "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World" by Haruki Murakami 📖 "Emma" by Jane Austen 📖 "Sphere" by Michael Crichton 📖 "Gods of Jade and Shadow" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 📖 "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil GaimanI might do a different post for series, because that's a whole 'nother beast! 😅 What are your 7 books? @bookstodon@a.gup.pe

Rachel Lense (she/her)✅ Computer glasses ✅ Motivational art ✅ Comfy sweatshirtLet's get this thesis finished and submitted to committee for approval! 🫣<a href="https://c.im/tags/GraduateSchool" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#GraduateSchool</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/AlmostDone" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#AlmostDone</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/LetsGo" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#LetsGo</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)Did you know that when astronauts spend even a few weeks in space, their bones start undergoing a process similar to osteoporosis? For some reason (we still don't know exactly why), gravity plays an essential role in our ability to regenerate bone tissue. This week, I interviewed a dentist whose work rocketed up to the <a href="https://c.im/tags/InternationalSpaceStation" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#InternationalSpaceStation</a> for research on a potential solution to growing bone--in space! :tg282: :skp998: :tg282: <a href="https://c.im/tags/space" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#space</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#technology</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/ISS" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#ISS</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/SciComm" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#SciComm</a> <a href="https://c.im/tags/NASA" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#NASA</a> <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2022/11/21/pitt-space-station-dental-medicine-intini-bones-osteoporosis-revbio-tetranite-university-of-pittsburgh/stories/202211210058" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no">https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2022/11/21/pitt-space-station-dental-medicine-intini-bones-osteoporosis-revbio-tetranite-university-of-pittsburgh/stories/202211210058</a>

Rachel Lense (she/her)This is an interesting article by MIT Technology Review about Meta's abbreviated attempt at launching a scientific language model to... write entire papers? <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/11/18/1063487/meta-large-language-model-ai-only-survived-three-days-gpt-3-science/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no">https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/11/18/1063487/meta-large-language-model-ai-only-survived-three-days-gpt-3-science/</a>As you can probably guess, it failed miserably. And as amazing as these large language models are, they're still wee babbies, relying solely on statistical probabilities than on so many of the other factors that make up a language, too, like history and culture. And truth. And poetry, actually.A few days ago, I decided to finally check out what GPT-3 was all about and made an account on OpenAI. It knows *some* poetry, but when I requested a Shakespearean sonnet about Winnie the Pooh, I expected three quatrains and a somewhat ironic closing couplet written in verse using pretty strict iambic pentameter. I got something sonnet-like, but I guess the models don't count stress or syllables.My point, I think, is that technology is cool-- we should keep going with this stuff, but let's not put it on a pedestal. It's just another tool in the tool box. And to ensure that tool works well for people, let's also make sure to involve people from lots of spaces as we develop it so we don't overlook critical aspects. You know, like the importance of culture and history and telling the truth--or even having metrical feet.

Rachel Lense (she/her)

Rachel Lense (she/her)Outside of reading and writing, I thoroughly enjoy <a href="https://c.im/tags/travelling" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#travelling</a>. Whether it's flying to a different country for some exotic adventure in a far off city or road tripping it to enjoy the wide wonders of <a href="https://c.im/tags/nature" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#nature</a>, I just like going places, seeing things, and having new experiences. Luckily, I get to practice one of my other joys in life as I do so: <a href="https://c.im/tags/photography" class="mention hashtag" rel="tag">#photography</a>. This photo was taken on the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, just as the moon was rising in the east and there was the tiniest bit of sunset glow still kissing the canyon from the west. (I'm curious to see how much Mastodon compresses this file in the upload process.)Do any of you enjoy dabbling in photography when you travel?

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Rachel Lense (she/her)@rachellense@c.im