Sedelia Rodriguez

Sedelia Rodriguez is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science at Barnard College, Columbia University. She also holds administrative roles as the Environmental Science Minor Advisor and Assistant Director/Program Coordinator of the Science Pathways Scholars Program. Her academic work bridges geology and environmental science, with a strong research presence in igneous petrology and volcanology.

• Post Doctoral Research Scientist - Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University
• Ph.D. - Florida International University, Miami, FL

Her research focuses on large igneous provinces and flood basalts, including the Columbia River Basalt Group and the Siberian Traps. She applies geochemical and petrological methods to understand the origins of massive volcanic eruptions and their impacts on Earth's systems, particularly in relation to mass extinction events. Her work often involves international collaborations and deep-sea drilling projects such as IODP Expeditions.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in Earth system science, integrating geochemistry, volcanology, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Her work connects deep Earth processes with surface environmental catastrophes, especially during the end-Permian extinction. Key themes include mantle plume volcanism, oceanic crust formation, and the geochemical fingerprints of global-scale eruptions.

• Barnard College Faculty Mini-Grant - 2015
• Joint Oceanographic Institute Research Grant - 2006
• Dissertation Year Fellowship 2004-2005, Florida International University
• Research Grant Recipient 2003, Geological Society of America
• Teaching Award 2002 (first place), Florida International University
• Travel Grants, Graduate Student Association - Florida International University (2002, 2003, 2005)
• Field Trip Leader: GSA 2003 Annual Meeting field trip, The Columbia Flood Basalts and the Yakima fold belt

Sedelia Rodriguez has been actively involved in research grants and collaborative scientific expeditions, particularly through IODP and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. While no formal list of advisees is provided, she teaches senior thesis seminars and advises environmental science minors, indicating active mentorship. Her role in the Science Pathways Scholars Program highlights her commitment to student support and inclusive science education.

Her research is closely tied to field and laboratory work associated with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and IODP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program) projects. She has participated in major drilling expeditions such as IODP Expedition 309/312 to Hole 1256D, contributing to the study of intact oceanic crust. These efforts are part of international scientific teams focused on understanding seafloor formation and deep Earth processes.