Florence Colleoni, PhD

What’s the work that you do?

I use numerical models to reconstruct paleoclimate and paleo-ice sheets dynamics. In particular, I focus on the interactions between the ice sheet-atmosphere-ocean-sediments. Keeping a multi-disciplinary approach is central to my research, so I touch on many different aspects of the Earth’s climate system.

What keeps you going?

I have always wanted to be a scientist, since I was a child. Therefore, my job doesn’t feel like work. I love to get up in the morning not knowing what the day will bring (most of the time…). You never know when a new question pops up in your mind! I really like to keep a multi-disciplinary approach to any questions. I could not do any modeling without my team, comprised of only marine geologists! It is definitely great to combine different points of view.

What’s your message to the world?

Reconstructing paleoclimates is a great privilege as we are a testimony of the Earth’s evolution. It is like a treasure hunt; you never know what you will find and if this will change our understanding of the Earth’s system. Each time I get to go to Antarctica, I feel very lucky to be able to investigate this amazing place. Everything is connected, you just need to find the “fil rouge” (red thread)!