I write stories about the incredible, dangerous, resilient world in which we live. I am a freelance science writer, editor, fact-checker and social media manager based in Chandler, Arizona. My specialties include all things Earth science, with an emphasis on earthquakes, eruptions, and the environment.

I earned my Ph.D. in geology in 2011. My doctoral research focused on low-temperature thermochronology and isotope geochemistry, which are fancy ways of saying I used chemistry to understand the history of some rather intrepid, enigmatic rocks. Specifically, I explored when collision might have occurred between India and Eurasia to build the Himalayan mountain range, how parts of the range came to the surface, and what other laboratory methods we could develop to answer these, and other, questions.

My postdoctoral work at the Berkeley Geochronology Center focused on topics like when the Grand Canyon formed, when Tibet began its journey to become the highest plateau on Earth, and exploring when and how Yosemite Valley formed.

After having children, I realized I was less interested in being in the lab and writing academic articles, and more interested in learning as much as possible and communicating that new knowledge. After all, science shrouded in mystery is not that useful to the average reader, or even scientists in other fields. I began to write science highlights for the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, an organization with an arm devoted to educating the public about seismic data (IRIS is now part of EarthScope). There is great joy in taking something largely cryptic to the layperson and reducing it to its barest, most important bones.

Eventually I began writing about geohazards for Temblor through their externship program, where I cut my teeth as fledgling science writer.

I’ve written news and features for the American Geophysical Union’s Eos and reviewed books for Science News. I currently serve as the Science Editor for Temblor, where I help scientists write articles meant to be read by both their peers and the public. I help people communicate their work at Gneiss Editing, where my focus is developmental editing of books with a science slant. And, I manage social media accounts for a variety of clients.

If you want to read more about my journey through the geosciences, the European Geological Union Seismology Blog interviewed me about my story, gender inequality and my thoughts on how to amplify other women. Or, check out this fantastic video supported by IRIS and AAAS, in which If/Then She Can ambassador Wendy Bohon interviewed me in the hope that my story will inspire girls to pursue careers in the geosciences!

I also blog (occasionally as a guest), exercise often, play with my kids, piece together large puzzles with my husband, read, rant, and, of course, write.

Also, in case you’re wondering… my mom calls me “ul-kaa,” (अलका) and of course, she’s right. But I say “ul-kuh,” my husband says “all-kuh” and lots of people pronounce my name like Alka-seltzer.