Member Spotlight: Dylan Spaulding
What is your Academic Federation job title?
Associate Project Scientist
In which department/unit do you work?
I run the Shock Compression Lab in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Our group studies the physics and chemistry of planetary impacts using light gas guns (effectively big cannons!). By shooting a metal plate at a rock or mineral sample, we can re-create the extreme conditions of planetary impacts or deep planetary interiors and learn about how thermodynamics and material properties shape planetary formation and evolution.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the variety of subjects that I get to explore and use on a day-to-day basis. My job relies on understanding and applying geology, physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, and more. No two days—or two experiments—are exactly alike.
How long have you been in your current position?
Since January 2016.
How long have you been at UC Davis?
Since January 2016.
In the past five years, have you had any role in Academic Federation events or activities?
I have attended various AF events to meet other researchers and to learn more about the structure and governance of the AF itself.
In the past five years, have you served on any Academic Federation committees?
I previously served as the Federation representative to the Senate Committee on General Education, and I am now a representative on the Senate Committee on Affirmative Action and Diversity.
Have you received any awards that you would like to highlight?
Prior to coming to UC Davis, I was an Origins Initiative Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard.
Any other comments you would like to share?
Thanks for the opportunity to share a few words about my role on campus!