jjvenky
@jjvenky.bsky.social
Pinned
jjvenky
@jjvenky.bsky.social
· May 14
A (Not Really) New Graduate Program
After many decades, the Wool Gee Pig (Waterloo-Laurier Graduate Program in Geography, W-LGPIG) is dead.
jjvenky.github.io
After many decades, the Wool Gee Pig ( #Waterloo #Laurier Graduate Program in #Geography, W-LGPIG) is dead.
#cdnpse
jjvenky.github.io/articles/202...
#cdnpse
jjvenky.github.io/articles/202...
Reposted by jjvenky
So - if you need a #SuperbOwl fix - I suggest checking out @inaturalist.bsky.social
www.inaturalist.org/observations...
www.inaturalist.org/observations...
Observations
Observations of Owls
www.inaturalist.org
February 8, 2026 at 9:43 PM
So - if you need a #SuperbOwl fix - I suggest checking out @inaturalist.bsky.social
www.inaturalist.org/observations...
www.inaturalist.org/observations...
Reposted by jjvenky
Woohoo! #SuperBowl flyover over our city.
February 8, 2026 at 11:53 PM
Woohoo! #SuperBowl flyover over our city.
Reposted by jjvenky
Happy #SuperbOwl 🦉 Sunday to all who celebrate.
February 8, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Happy #SuperbOwl 🦉 Sunday to all who celebrate.
Reposted by jjvenky
The original post was GBIF announcing a new dataset from the USGS about fish identified using eDNA during Rice's whale research in the "Gulf of America".
How biodiversity data captures higher-level geography is fraught with challenges, but it's not apolitical.
How biodiversity data captures higher-level geography is fraught with challenges, but it's not apolitical.
February 4, 2026 at 10:07 AM
The original post was GBIF announcing a new dataset from the USGS about fish identified using eDNA during Rice's whale research in the "Gulf of America".
How biodiversity data captures higher-level geography is fraught with challenges, but it's not apolitical.
How biodiversity data captures higher-level geography is fraught with challenges, but it's not apolitical.
Reposted by jjvenky
Yes, "equal footing" is correct and the polite version of describing the need for EDI. But when I say "awkward", I mean "AWKWARD". I'm a prof in a Civil Engineering department after all. DEI is recent history. Many of us had to go to a strip club to fit in at some point in our early careers.
February 1, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Yes, "equal footing" is correct and the polite version of describing the need for EDI. But when I say "awkward", I mean "AWKWARD". I'm a prof in a Civil Engineering department after all. DEI is recent history. Many of us had to go to a strip club to fit in at some point in our early careers.
Reposted by jjvenky
My final #FridayFold from December's visit to Mosaic Canyon in Death Valley NP in California. This one is pretty crazy, with at least two hinges. See if you can make any sense of it. ⚒️
January 30, 2026 at 5:49 PM
My final #FridayFold from December's visit to Mosaic Canyon in Death Valley NP in California. This one is pretty crazy, with at least two hinges. See if you can make any sense of it. ⚒️
Reposted by jjvenky
I have now been informed by many helpful bsky folks that this is a common graph form for geoscientists.
I love this because I have joined a (formerly) geoscience department and sometimes feel like I'm not always sure that I fit it/belong here, but I can be like "hey I love triangle graphs too"
I love this because I have joined a (formerly) geoscience department and sometimes feel like I'm not always sure that I fit it/belong here, but I can be like "hey I love triangle graphs too"
This is a super insightful graph from @kingsmillbond.bsky.social illustrating how countries like India that are experiencing economic development later are skipping over some (not all) fossil dependency.
ember-energy.org/latest-insig...
ember-energy.org/latest-insig...
January 28, 2026 at 9:11 PM
I have now been informed by many helpful bsky folks that this is a common graph form for geoscientists.
I love this because I have joined a (formerly) geoscience department and sometimes feel like I'm not always sure that I fit it/belong here, but I can be like "hey I love triangle graphs too"
I love this because I have joined a (formerly) geoscience department and sometimes feel like I'm not always sure that I fit it/belong here, but I can be like "hey I love triangle graphs too"
Reposted by jjvenky
1. The thing about science that these jokers don't understand is that science cannot be vibe-coded.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
“The idea is to put ChatGPT front and center inside software that scientists use to write up their work in much the same way that chatbots are now embedded into popular programming editors.
It’s vibe coding, but for science.”
It’s vibe coding, but for science.”
OpenAI’s latest product lets you vibe code science
Prism is a ChatGPT-powered text editor that automates much of the work involved in writing scientific papers.
www.technologyreview.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:09 PM
1. The thing about science that these jokers don't understand is that science cannot be vibe-coded.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Reposted by jjvenky
When visiting Polytechnique for a funding announcement, Kirsty Duncan immediately recognized my disappointment when they said they didn’t have time to visit my lab. She grabbed my arm and we sauntered down to my lab together. Her enthusiam for science and research was contagious.
Gutted to learn of the passing of Dr Kirsty Duncan.
She was a tireless fighter for the people she served, not only her local community in Toronto but others, especially the science & research &
athletics communities too.
She championed equity, diversity, inclusion and made change happen.
🤍🙏🏻
She was a tireless fighter for the people she served, not only her local community in Toronto but others, especially the science & research &
athletics communities too.
She championed equity, diversity, inclusion and made change happen.
🤍🙏🏻
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dies at 59
OTTAWA — Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a years-long battle with cancer. Born on Oct.
www.richmond-news.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:42 PM
When visiting Polytechnique for a funding announcement, Kirsty Duncan immediately recognized my disappointment when they said they didn’t have time to visit my lab. She grabbed my arm and we sauntered down to my lab together. Her enthusiam for science and research was contagious.
Reposted by jjvenky
The world has lost one of its most courageous and passionate advocates for people + science.
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan dead at 59 | CBC News
Former Liberal cabinet minister Kirsty Duncan has died at the age of 59 following a years-long battle with cancer.
www.cbc.ca
January 27, 2026 at 1:49 AM
The world has lost one of its most courageous and passionate advocates for people + science.
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Back in the days of Twitter, I saw her regularly send encouragement to people she’d never met. That was who she was: a model of joy, perseverance, courage, and kindness.
Kirsty, you will be so missed. 💔
Reposted by jjvenky
I was present for the birth of the web, the explosion of personal sites, and the blogging revolution, and you know what we never had to do? Beg people to use our shit.
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
Big tech boss tells delegates at Davos that broader global use is essential if technology is to deliver lasting growth
www.irishtimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:19 AM
I was present for the birth of the web, the explosion of personal sites, and the blogging revolution, and you know what we never had to do? Beg people to use our shit.
Reposted by jjvenky
It turns out that last year, my children's book "Birds: A Day in the Life" was checked out of UK libraries 1206 times! How's that for ""impact""!
(I don't get royalties because of the nature of the agreement, but you can still get your own copy of it here: neonsquidbooks.com/books/birds-...)
(I don't get royalties because of the nature of the agreement, but you can still get your own copy of it here: neonsquidbooks.com/books/birds-...)
Birds (A Day in the Life)
Set over a 24-hour period, meet speedy ostriches, tiny hummingbirds, and majestic eagles in this kids’ nonfiction book about the coolest birds in the world.
neonsquidbooks.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:37 AM
It turns out that last year, my children's book "Birds: A Day in the Life" was checked out of UK libraries 1206 times! How's that for ""impact""!
(I don't get royalties because of the nature of the agreement, but you can still get your own copy of it here: neonsquidbooks.com/books/birds-...)
(I don't get royalties because of the nature of the agreement, but you can still get your own copy of it here: neonsquidbooks.com/books/birds-...)
Reposted by jjvenky
An impressive number of graduate applications this year used the phrase “curiosity-driven approach” 🤔
January 17, 2026 at 10:06 PM
An impressive number of graduate applications this year used the phrase “curiosity-driven approach” 🤔
Reposted by jjvenky
“Everybody came, partly to see the girl geophysicist, but also to hear what the revolution could mean for them.”
Absolutely delighted by this story of my friend, mentor, & scientific hero, TANYA ATWATER ⚒️ 🌊 🧪
www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
h/t @floragraham.bsky.social
cc @drwendyrocks.bsky.social
Absolutely delighted by this story of my friend, mentor, & scientific hero, TANYA ATWATER ⚒️ 🌊 🧪
www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
h/t @floragraham.bsky.social
cc @drwendyrocks.bsky.social
How plate tectonics revolutionized our understanding of Earth - High Country News
And how scientist Tanya Atwater was at the center of it all.
www.hcn.org
January 17, 2026 at 1:49 AM
“Everybody came, partly to see the girl geophysicist, but also to hear what the revolution could mean for them.”
Absolutely delighted by this story of my friend, mentor, & scientific hero, TANYA ATWATER ⚒️ 🌊 🧪
www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
h/t @floragraham.bsky.social
cc @drwendyrocks.bsky.social
Absolutely delighted by this story of my friend, mentor, & scientific hero, TANYA ATWATER ⚒️ 🌊 🧪
www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
h/t @floragraham.bsky.social
cc @drwendyrocks.bsky.social
Reposted by jjvenky
Random 9 pm thought after a tough day. Will we see then end of grant writing seminars, retreats, and positions in academia with AI. In reflection, I realize I am already seeing fewer.
January 15, 2026 at 4:07 AM
Random 9 pm thought after a tough day. Will we see then end of grant writing seminars, retreats, and positions in academia with AI. In reflection, I realize I am already seeing fewer.
Reposted by jjvenky
In a session about the Anthropocene and just saw the term “enshitticene” and this perfectly encapsulates the last decade or so. #NWGM2026
January 13, 2026 at 9:45 AM
In a session about the Anthropocene and just saw the term “enshitticene” and this perfectly encapsulates the last decade or so. #NWGM2026
Reposted by jjvenky
I am only halfway through Amartya Sen’s memoir and he hasn’t even started his PhD yet!
He had relatives imprisoned for opposing the British regime, he witnessed the Bengal famine and the partition, and had cancer as an undergraduate
He had relatives imprisoned for opposing the British regime, he witnessed the Bengal famine and the partition, and had cancer as an undergraduate
January 11, 2026 at 10:11 PM
I am only halfway through Amartya Sen’s memoir and he hasn’t even started his PhD yet!
He had relatives imprisoned for opposing the British regime, he witnessed the Bengal famine and the partition, and had cancer as an undergraduate
He had relatives imprisoned for opposing the British regime, he witnessed the Bengal famine and the partition, and had cancer as an undergraduate
Reposted by jjvenky
Out of curiosity, I tried to use ChatGPT to make R code a few times.
Once it worked great, solving the problem with more elegant code than I’d have used.
Twice it worked fine, clunky but it got there.
Twice it generated cuckoo-bananapants nonsense- but I’d only know that if I knew how to code.
Once it worked great, solving the problem with more elegant code than I’d have used.
Twice it worked fine, clunky but it got there.
Twice it generated cuckoo-bananapants nonsense- but I’d only know that if I knew how to code.
But now, when I hear "well, I use chatgpt because I can code in R / analyse my data / do literature review again", my answer is systematically: no, you cannot.
I think the loss of technical skills is dangerous for research, because it prevents a sound understanding of feasibility.
I think the loss of technical skills is dangerous for research, because it prevents a sound understanding of feasibility.
January 8, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Out of curiosity, I tried to use ChatGPT to make R code a few times.
Once it worked great, solving the problem with more elegant code than I’d have used.
Twice it worked fine, clunky but it got there.
Twice it generated cuckoo-bananapants nonsense- but I’d only know that if I knew how to code.
Once it worked great, solving the problem with more elegant code than I’d have used.
Twice it worked fine, clunky but it got there.
Twice it generated cuckoo-bananapants nonsense- but I’d only know that if I knew how to code.
Reposted by jjvenky
I suspect that one of the reasons behind the widespread adoption of generative AI by faculty is that it gives people the illusion that they can still do the things they knew how to do as a postdoc. Gen AI is used as a poor substitute to maintaining core skills.
January 8, 2026 at 1:10 PM
I suspect that one of the reasons behind the widespread adoption of generative AI by faculty is that it gives people the illusion that they can still do the things they knew how to do as a postdoc. Gen AI is used as a poor substitute to maintaining core skills.
Reposted by jjvenky
Reposted by jjvenky
Tomorrow marks 10 years since the greatest piece of art of our generation
December 30, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Tomorrow marks 10 years since the greatest piece of art of our generation
Reposted by jjvenky
Current* conditions near Wawa, ON:
December 30, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Current* conditions near Wawa, ON:
Reposted by jjvenky
Though I do paid work as an academic, that role has nothing to do with plants.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
A few years ago, through luck and vibes, I managed to produce this blue colored bean variety.
This was an early step in trying to answer the question, [paraphrased] "Why isn't blue as common as red in beans, even though they're both anthocyanins and the plant has the genes for both?"
This was an early step in trying to answer the question, [paraphrased] "Why isn't blue as common as red in beans, even though they're both anthocyanins and the plant has the genes for both?"
December 29, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Though I do paid work as an academic, that role has nothing to do with plants.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
Reposted by jjvenky
What a difference a few minutes makes!
Eastern Sierra alpenglow ⚒️
Eastern Sierra alpenglow ⚒️
December 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
What a difference a few minutes makes!
Eastern Sierra alpenglow ⚒️
Eastern Sierra alpenglow ⚒️
Reposted by jjvenky
If anybody at the Globe and Mail wants to tell me What Happened, my DMs are open and I will protect your anonymity. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...
Globe editorial: Microwaving fish, and the lost art of office etiquette
The return to in-person work means rediscovering the finer points of peaceable corporate co-existence
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 28, 2025 at 12:27 AM
If anybody at the Globe and Mail wants to tell me What Happened, my DMs are open and I will protect your anonymity. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/edit...