Phoebe Cohen
@phoebefossil.bsky.social
Answering big questions with tiny fossils. Paleontologist, earth scientist, liberal arts professor, opinion holder. She/her. @makeaplanetpod.bsky.social
Pinned
Phoebe Cohen
@phoebefossil.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Hi y'all - a bit of an intro - I'm a liberal arts professor, a paleontologist / earth scientist, a photographer, a human and dog parent, and a progressive lefty, to name a few. I'm still figuring out how I want to use this account so stay tuned - but expect a mix of science and snark and sincerity.
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
BREAKING: ‘This hurts’: UNL eliminates 4 programs despite faculty, student pleas
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln eliminates the Earth and atmospheric sciences 8-0, educational administration 7-1, statistics 7-1, textiles, merchandising and fashion design 7-1 programs.
www.dailynebraskan.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
Definitely a 12-person interspecies polycule
Pleased that Starfleet Academy looks gay as fuck
December 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Definitely a 12-person interspecies polycule
Today on #givingtuesday I'm continuing to support the Paleontological Research Institution. As a former employee and current board member, I know how incredible this place is - a resource for anyone who cares about our earth's past and its future: priweb.donorsupport.co/page/FUNWALK...
Save the Museum of the Earth and PRI – Secure Its Future!
In these challenging times, places like the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) stand as beacons of hope, fostering understanding of the natural world and inspiring action for a sustainable fut...
priweb.donorsupport.co
December 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Today on #givingtuesday I'm continuing to support the Paleontological Research Institution. As a former employee and current board member, I know how incredible this place is - a resource for anyone who cares about our earth's past and its future: priweb.donorsupport.co/page/FUNWALK...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
The late Miocene possibly had lower athmospheric pCO2 than we have right now (but higher than pre-industrial), but that was enough for there not to be permafrost in North Greenland.
Once a local threshold is reached, that is enough sometimes. 🧪
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Once a local threshold is reached, that is enough sometimes. 🧪
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
December 2, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The late Miocene possibly had lower athmospheric pCO2 than we have right now (but higher than pre-industrial), but that was enough for there not to be permafrost in North Greenland.
Once a local threshold is reached, that is enough sometimes. 🧪
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Once a local threshold is reached, that is enough sometimes. 🧪
Link: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Last day of class (on Zoom cause of the snow) and my Paleobiology students are discussing the “dire wolf” and Colossal Biosciences and they are NOT HAVING IT
a man applauds in front of a sign that says schitts sook proud
ALT: a man applauds in front of a sign that says schitts sook proud
media.tenor.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Last day of class (on Zoom cause of the snow) and my Paleobiology students are discussing the “dire wolf” and Colossal Biosciences and they are NOT HAVING IT
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
On Dec. 7, we’re taking you to Albany, Georgia, and telling a story as we never have before.
In a new 5-part series, ProPublica’s @gingerthompson.bsky.social pursues one question: “Why are people in Albany so sick when its most powerful institution is a hospital?”
In a new 5-part series, ProPublica’s @gingerthompson.bsky.social pursues one question: “Why are people in Albany so sick when its most powerful institution is a hospital?”
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
On Dec. 7, we’re taking you to Albany, Georgia, and telling a story as we never have before.
In a new 5-part series, ProPublica’s @gingerthompson.bsky.social pursues one question: “Why are people in Albany so sick when its most powerful institution is a hospital?”
In a new 5-part series, ProPublica’s @gingerthompson.bsky.social pursues one question: “Why are people in Albany so sick when its most powerful institution is a hospital?”
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
Sooo here's a little public records request I just made to the University of Oklahoma.
November 30, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Sooo here's a little public records request I just made to the University of Oklahoma.
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
Cheers to the person who leaked the initial changes www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
In reversal, Coast Guard again classifies swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The new order came hours after The Post reported the service would instead classify such symbols as “potentially divisive” under guidelines set for release next month.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Cheers to the person who leaked the initial changes www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
So Harvard is keeping this guy, but Claudine Gay had to step down over ginned up plagiarism accusations and bad-faith accusations of anti-Semitism.
Got it.
Got it.
Larry Summers tells @theharvardcrimson.bsky.social
he’s stepping back from all public commitments in light of his messages with Epstein, saying he is “deeply ashamed” and hopes “to rebuild trust and repair relationships.”
He will continue teaching.
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
he’s stepping back from all public commitments in light of his messages with Epstein, saying he is “deeply ashamed” and hopes “to rebuild trust and repair relationships.”
He will continue teaching.
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
November 18, 2025 at 5:10 AM
So Harvard is keeping this guy, but Claudine Gay had to step down over ginned up plagiarism accusations and bad-faith accusations of anti-Semitism.
Got it.
Got it.
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
Sixty days left to save the Museum of the Earth. Please donate if you can, and share.
This is not only one of the most important fossil collections in the world, it also home to the world’s best plushies: Paleozoic Pals!
www.priweb.org/mortgage-cam...
This is not only one of the most important fossil collections in the world, it also home to the world’s best plushies: Paleozoic Pals!
www.priweb.org/mortgage-cam...
November 1, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Sixty days left to save the Museum of the Earth. Please donate if you can, and share.
This is not only one of the most important fossil collections in the world, it also home to the world’s best plushies: Paleozoic Pals!
www.priweb.org/mortgage-cam...
This is not only one of the most important fossil collections in the world, it also home to the world’s best plushies: Paleozoic Pals!
www.priweb.org/mortgage-cam...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
November 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
This right here, this exact sentence, is THE problem in American political journalism.
The IRA *was* cheap energy and good jobs! That was the whole bill! Democrats did precisely what political pundits are telling them to do and the pundits just ignore it.
The IRA *was* cheap energy and good jobs! That was the whole bill! Democrats did precisely what political pundits are telling them to do and the pundits just ignore it.
November 1, 2025 at 12:13 PM
This right here, this exact sentence, is THE problem in American political journalism.
The IRA *was* cheap energy and good jobs! That was the whole bill! Democrats did precisely what political pundits are telling them to do and the pundits just ignore it.
The IRA *was* cheap energy and good jobs! That was the whole bill! Democrats did precisely what political pundits are telling them to do and the pundits just ignore it.
Podcast interview with Warren Allmon about the financial challenges the Paleontological Research Institution / Museum of the Earth is facing and what's we're all at risk of losing: capitolpressroom.org/2025/10/31/u...
Upstate natural history museum at risk of closing
Paleontological Research Institution Director talks about the work his organization does and explains why they're in need of funding to keep their door open.
capitolpressroom.org
November 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Podcast interview with Warren Allmon about the financial challenges the Paleontological Research Institution / Museum of the Earth is facing and what's we're all at risk of losing: capitolpressroom.org/2025/10/31/u...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
Not since 1935 has anyone experienced a storm like Melissa. Melissa's record wouldn't have happened without climate change, which made the hurricane's winds about 10 mph stronger, according to a rapid attribution analysis by Climate Central. yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/10/cata...
Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica as the strongest landfalling Atlantic hurricane on record » Yale Climate Connections
At landfall in western Jamaica, Melissa’s 185 mph winds and 892 mb pressure tied with the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 in the Florida Keys as the strongest on record for the Atlantic.
yaleclimateconnections.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Not since 1935 has anyone experienced a storm like Melissa. Melissa's record wouldn't have happened without climate change, which made the hurricane's winds about 10 mph stronger, according to a rapid attribution analysis by Climate Central. yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/10/cata...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
I promise we're still here, and we're still working hard! And now we're on instagram at MakeAPlanetPod. We CANNOT WAIT to share the first episodes with you...thank you all for your patience. xoxox, Jax and Phoebe
October 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
I promise we're still here, and we're still working hard! And now we're on instagram at MakeAPlanetPod. We CANNOT WAIT to share the first episodes with you...thank you all for your patience. xoxox, Jax and Phoebe
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
I get that the news cycle is packed right now, but I just heard from a colleague at the Smithsonian that this is fully a GIANT SQUID BEING EATEN BY A SPERM WHALE and it’s possibly the first ever confirmed video according to a friend at NOAA
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
September 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
I get that the news cycle is packed right now, but I just heard from a colleague at the Smithsonian that this is fully a GIANT SQUID BEING EATEN BY A SPERM WHALE and it’s possibly the first ever confirmed video according to a friend at NOAA
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
📖❤️ NEWS: You can now pre-order my book! "Unlocking Justice confronts America’s unfair legal system with data—and humanity." It's accessible, optimistic, and in the spirit of Ida B. Wells, who said “the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” I wrote it for each of you. Also, ⬇️
Unlocking Justice: The Power of Data to Confront Inequity and Create Change|Hardcover
www.barnesandnoble.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:28 AM
📖❤️ NEWS: You can now pre-order my book! "Unlocking Justice confronts America’s unfair legal system with data—and humanity." It's accessible, optimistic, and in the spirit of Ida B. Wells, who said “the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” I wrote it for each of you. Also, ⬇️
Boston and Camberville! See you Thursday! I am 99% done with this epic book and so excited to blather with @peterbrannen.bsky.social about it at @harvardbookstore.bsky.social
September 15, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Boston and Camberville! See you Thursday! I am 99% done with this epic book and so excited to blather with @peterbrannen.bsky.social about it at @harvardbookstore.bsky.social
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
My employer, Williams College—A PRIVATE INSTITUTION—has its flags at half-staff for Charlie Kirk. There is a MA state proclamation but it applies only to public/state/military buildings. We are not any of those.
What.
The.
Actual.
F***.
I am sick to my stomach.
www.mass.gov/info-details...
What.
The.
Actual.
F***.
I am sick to my stomach.
www.mass.gov/info-details...
Flag Status
Flag status and half-staff notifications for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
www.mass.gov
September 12, 2025 at 7:51 AM
My employer, Williams College—A PRIVATE INSTITUTION—has its flags at half-staff for Charlie Kirk. There is a MA state proclamation but it applies only to public/state/military buildings. We are not any of those.
What.
The.
Actual.
F***.
I am sick to my stomach.
www.mass.gov/info-details...
What.
The.
Actual.
F***.
I am sick to my stomach.
www.mass.gov/info-details...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
I feel like I am taking crazy pills. Charlie Kirk’s ultimate goal, which he said time and time again, would have been the suppression, through threat of violence and the use of state power, of the rights of those he disagreed with, including freedom of expression.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/o...
Opinion | Charlie Kirk Was Practicing Politics the Right Way
www.nytimes.com
September 11, 2025 at 10:04 AM
I feel like I am taking crazy pills. Charlie Kirk’s ultimate goal, which he said time and time again, would have been the suppression, through threat of violence and the use of state power, of the rights of those he disagreed with, including freedom of expression.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/o...
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
Grateful for this thoughtful and generous review! Captures some of the admitted madness of the book
Had the great pleasure of reviewing @peterbrannen.bsky.social’s extraordinary new book (gift link) www.nytimes.com/2025/08/30/b...
An Environmental Villain, Reconsidered
www.nytimes.com
August 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Grateful for this thoughtful and generous review! Captures some of the admitted madness of the book
I am SO CLOSE to being ready to submit a paper that's been more than a decade in the making. It will be (I think) an important contribution, and was done with the help over 12+ undergrads and a bunch of collaborators over many years in the field and the lab. Sometimes, science is slow.
September 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I am SO CLOSE to being ready to submit a paper that's been more than a decade in the making. It will be (I think) an important contribution, and was done with the help over 12+ undergrads and a bunch of collaborators over many years in the field and the lab. Sometimes, science is slow.
Reposted by Phoebe Cohen
I'm hoping to take 1 MSc & 1 PhD student next year in the areas of Phylogenetic, Computational, and/or Evolutionary Paleobiology. Please reach out if you are interested in joining the @oupaleobiology.bsky.social, especially if interested in working on fossil echinoderms. Link for more info below. 🧪
News
PhD and MSc positions in Phylogenetic, Computational, and/or Evolutionary Paleobiology [Posted September 2025. Deadline is January 15, 2026. See below for information about the lab, student opportu…
daveyfwright.wordpress.com
September 2, 2025 at 3:51 PM
I'm hoping to take 1 MSc & 1 PhD student next year in the areas of Phylogenetic, Computational, and/or Evolutionary Paleobiology. Please reach out if you are interested in joining the @oupaleobiology.bsky.social, especially if interested in working on fossil echinoderms. Link for more info below. 🧪
This fall I'm teaching a new mini-course for our senior thesis students and the first class is about organizing your thoughts / ideas & getting writing done - what tools & tips do you all use? I want to give them a broad array of ideas & options beyond things like outlines & scheduling writing time.
a cartoon drawing of snoopy sitting at a desk writing on a piece of paper
ALT: a cartoon drawing of snoopy sitting at a desk writing on a piece of paper
media.tenor.com
September 2, 2025 at 3:53 PM
This fall I'm teaching a new mini-course for our senior thesis students and the first class is about organizing your thoughts / ideas & getting writing done - what tools & tips do you all use? I want to give them a broad array of ideas & options beyond things like outlines & scheduling writing time.