Newlywed wins award for climate research

Sierra Melton, a native of Gunbarrel, has recently won the $20,000 P.E.O. Scholar Award presented by the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood is a U.S.-based international women's organization of about 230,000 members, with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. Melton was nominated by the P.E.O. chapter in Boulder.

According to the P.E.O. International website, "The P.E.O. Scholar Awards are one-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research.

"P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields."

Melton is a Ph.D. student in Geosciences at Penn State University. With this award, she plans to fund her research concerning the melting of Helheim Glacier, in Greenland and glaciers in Antarctica. This research will help provide a better understanding of sea level rise and how to adapt in this new climate.

"I hope after I earn my doctorate, I'll be able to pursue a career in climate science," Melton said. "Either in teaching or in climate policy. I'm also thinking of working at NASA or at Conservation International or working for an NGO."

Melton was recently married and the newlyweds expect to have their honeymoon late this year, after both Melton and her husband conduct their scientific research around the globe.