A geologist walks into a bar… and asks for a drink on the rocks!
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 • Doors open at 6:00pm
Talk begins at ~6:30pm
Abandoned Building Brewery
142 Pleasant Street #103a, Easthampton, MA
Volcanoes in Our Backyard: Insights into New England’s Geologic Past
Is Mt. Tom an old volcano?
When did volcanoes last erupt in New England?
What can volcanoes tell us about the interior of the Earth?
Sarah Mazza is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences at Smith College, and a hard-rock geologist who began her career at the University of North Carolina. Torn between furthering her education in topics of petrology or structural geology, she ended up at Virginia Tech to pursue a master’s degree under the supervision of Rick Law. While studying the thermal deformation of shear zones in Scotland and Nepal, Esteban Gazel approached her to join the “dark side” and descend into mantle geochemistry. Her doctorate focused on understanding non-plume-related intraplate volcanism by studying the youngest volcanoes of eastern North America (found in Virginia and West Virginia!) and the enigmatic volcanism of Bermuda. After completing her doctorate in 2016, Mazza joined a group of cosmo-chemists at the University of Münster (Germany) as a postdoctoral research scientist. While her colleagues were studying meteorites and planetary formation, she kept the research group “grounded,” investigating stable tungsten isotopic fractionation on Earth. Current and future research will include locations around the world with the broad goal of understanding the evolution of the Earth via volcanoes.
Bring a friend and join us as we enjoy lively conversations, prizes, and brilliant minds. Light refreshments will be available outside the presentation room, first come, first served. This is an inclusive, family-friendly event for people from all walks of life (ALL are very much welcome: kids, college students, your parents!). We promise, you’ll learn something if you come. And hey, you might even win a prize! Remember… Admission is FREE!
ABB allows guests to bring outside food! Please feel free to brings your own snacks with you, too.
SciTech Cafe events are open to any one with a curious mind regardless of age and background. Our events, prizes, and snacks are free, but donations are appreciated.
This event is hosted by Abandoned Building Brewery in Easthampton, MA.