Quake Chasers

by Lori Polydoros
Published by Chicago Review Press
Series: Women in Power
Available Hardcover
April 2022  

Sharing perspectives on their journeys into the physical sciences, these heroes provide readers with advice about overcoming adversity.

Quake Chasers: 15 Women Rocking Earthquake Science explores the lives of 15 diverse, contemporary female scientists with a variety of specialties related to earthquake science.

Dr. Debbie Weiser travels to communities post-disaster, such as Japan and China, to evaluate earthquake damage in ways that might help save lives during the next Big One. Geologist Edith Carolina Rojas climbs to the top of volcanoes or searches barren deserts for volcanic evidence to measure seismic activity. Geophysicist Lori Dengler works with governments to provide guidance and protection against future tsunamis.

With tenacity, intellect, and innovation, these women have crushed obstacles in society, in the lab, and out in the field. Their accomplishments leave aftershocks as they work toward revealing answers to the many riddles that lie behind earthquakes, saving lives by teaching us how to prepare for these terrifying disasters.

Young scientists can take away inspiration and advice on following their own dreams like these inspiring women.

Blurbs & Reviews:

“Despite incredible recent advances, much about the science of earthquakes remains puzzling and uncertain. But what this beguiling book makes abundantly clear is that the women studying these terrifying temblors are some of the most inspiring scientists around. Pick up a copy and get to know them.” —Dr. Robin George Andrews, author of Super Volcanoes

“Readers of Quake Chasers meet women who have found a meaningful life in science in a variety of ways. They can see that a career helping people manage earthquakes can be researching how the earth moves or how people respond to that movement, or helping people prepare for that movement. The stories of these women show both a career and a life that can inspire future scientists.” —Dr. Lucy Jones, expert seismologist, founder and chief scientist of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society

“Informative” — Kirkus Reviews

Women of Power. Bold books to inspire bold moves.

Women of Power is a timely, inclusive, international, modern biography series that profiles 15 diverse, modern women who are changing the world in their field while empowering others to follow their dreams.

15 Earthquake Safety Tips

(from our 15 Rocking Women in Earthquake Science!)

  1. Place a sticker in your window at home that can tell emergency workers how many pets you have!
  2. Don’t forget to have extra food and water in your emergency kit for your pets!
  3. Make sure to have some cash available as ATMs might not work!
  4. Use your camping supplies after a natural disaster. 
  5. When you feel the shaking, DROP, COVER & HOLD. 
  6. Know your tsunami zone. The shaking is your warning to go to higher ground!
  7. If a big earthquake hits, fill your bathtub with water and put a stopper in it. If pipes break, you won’t have running water. 
  8. Decide how you will communicate with your loved ones. Make a plan!
  9. Keep a whistle nearby to alert people if you are trapped. 
  10. If an earthquake hit today, would you be able to grab your valuables quickly?
  11. Stay away from glass or other material that could shatter. 
  12. Keep shoes under your bed!  The ground may be covered in dangerous materials. 
  13. Get to know your neighbors now if you haven’t! Community is key. 
  14. Prepare what you will need for a week, month or even six months. Aftershocks can continue for months. 
  15. Store at least one gallon of water per person for at least two weeks. 

5 interview Tips

(learned from our 15 Women Rocking Earthquake Science.) 

  1. Be flexible (with dates, times, mediums like zoom, phone calls, email, etc.) 
  2. Start with small talk. Show your interviewee that you are approachable and safe. 
  3. Do your research!  Read and learn about your interviewee as much as possible. There are so many great sources online.
  4. Be vulnerable. Some people are nervous. Show your interviewee that you are a real person with real emotions. 
  5. Be present. If your interviewee says something interesting off topic or something you didn’t know about them…let them continue and ask follow-up questions!

 

QUAKE CHASERS- Lesson 1:Educator’s Guide

Capstone Books by Lori Polydoros