Book articles, guest lectures and talks

2021

Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society, Colorado Springs, CO. March 18, 2021.

Title: “From Plaster to Pixels: Geologic Relief Models in Historical Context”
This lecture introduces the 19th century beginnings of U.S. commercial geologic relief modeling–an important but overlooked type of mapping. 3D relief models were the primary ancestor of the computerized mapping we now enjoy. As the 19th century public struggled to understand the waves of new science–evolution, mining, environmental change, population shifts, and cartography–relief models were an accessible and beautiful way to learn about science. This talk will also present several 19th century relief models specific to Colorado and the Four Corners region.

2018

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, April 19, 2018, Stearns Colloquium, and visit Joe Webb Peoples Museum

Poster for the Wesleyan University Stearns Colloquium, April 2018. I was happy to investigate their unique relief model collection. Great faculty (especially Ellen Thomas, my host) and great students!

Madison Gem and Mineral Society, Madison, WI, January 27, 2018, Guest Lecture

  • “Historic Geologic Relief Models at UW”

2017

University of Rochester, Dept of Biology, Rochester, NY, December 5, 2017, Invited Lecture

  • “The Impact of Ward & Howell Museum Collections on the History of Biology”

Madison Gem and Mineral Society, November 18-19, 2017

  • Winter 2017 Show – Book sales and event volunteer

Melanie at the November 2017 Madison Gem and Mineral Show.

Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey, October 30, 2017, Staff Brown Bag Talk

  • “Historic Geologic Relief Models at UW”

2016

Chicago International Map Fair, October 2016, Fair Invited Presentation

  • From Plaster to Pixels: Relief Models in Historical Context

2015

Wisconsin Land Information Association, Fall 2015 meeting, Presentation

Map Society of Wisconsin, September 20, 2015 (at AGS Library), Presentation

SCO_WisconsinGeospatialNews_book_Page_1

Royal Purple, “Rare Relief Maps Kept Safe in Upham Hall” by Vesna Brajkovic (Feb 18, 2015)

2013

Live presentation at the “History Sandwiched In” series and Wisconsin Historical Society, filmed for Wisconsin Public Television for University Place series

Isthmus, “A Treasure Trove in Science Hall” by Peter Jurich (Nov 8, 2013)

2008

Friends of UW Libraries Magazine, “Renewing the Landscape” by Erik Opsal (Issue 48, 2008)