Empowering Research, Advancing Community, Supporting Success
The Office for Academic and Research Community Success (ARCS) supports researchers, educators, and students at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) by providing the resources, guidance, and collaborative environment necessary for their success. ARCS fosters excellence in scholarship, research, and professional development by supporting strategic planning, academic appointments, career advancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing community engagement to broaden the impact of geoscientific research.
Senior Research Scientist; Associate Director for Community Impact and Strategy
Assistant Director of Community Development
Assistant Director of Academic Affairs
- Support Research and Academic Excellence: Contribute to career development and strategic vision planning.
- Promote Mentorship and Cultivate Collaboration: Build bridges across campus, disciplines, institutions, and sectors to encourage partnerships and advance innovation.
- Advance Academic Appointments, Promotions, and Retention: Provide resources and development materials for individuals advancing through promotion processes.
- Facilitate Access to Opportunities: Ensure an environment that promotes equitable access to opportunities in research and education.
- Enhance Community Engagement: Promote the effective communication of research outcomes to ensure impact of geoscientific research.
ARCS envisions a thriving, collaborative environment where researchers, educators, staff and students have the support, resources, and connections to excel.
ARCS is committed to supporting equality of opportunity for all members of the LDEO community. We recognize the importance of effort, merit, aptitude, and determination in academic and professional success. Our work is guided by these four values:
- Integrity – We uphold the highest standards of academic and research excellence, fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility.
- Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, and we hold each other accountable to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Collaboration – We believe that the greatest discoveries and advancements happen through creative collaborative engagement. We encourage bridge building across disciplines, institutions, and communities to cultivate meaningful partnerships.
- Respect – We are committed to fostering a culture where every individual is valued, heard, and supported. We champion and aim to facilitate equality of opportunity, belonging, and open dialogue to ensure that all members of our academic and research community can thrive.
These values shape our mission and drive our commitment to advancing knowledge, opportunity, success and impact. Our programs and initiatives are designed to provide equitable access to resources, guidance, and opportunities, ensuring that all individuals in the LDEO academic and research community—regardless of sex, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, disability status, or background—have the support they need to thrive.
ARCS offers opportunities for our vibrant academic and research community to connect and grow that recognize and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and lived experiences that shape our campus. These events foster meaningful connection through shared learning, dialogue, and community-building. Whether through speakers, discussions, or shared meals, our heritage month celebrations create spaces for connection, appreciation, and reflection. All are welcome to join us in recognizing and celebrating the richness of our collective experiences. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with our community to co-create further events and programming.
ARCS offers optional professional development activities for those interested in expanding their skills and knowledge in key areas of academic and community engagement. These opt-in trainings and workshops cover topics such as Mentorship, LGBTQIA+ Advocacy & Allyship, Cultural Humility, and Effective Engagement with Communities, providing valuable insights and strategies for fostering a supportive campus environment and enhancing impact. Participants who complete optional trainings earn a microcredential through Credly, recognizing their commitment and achievement. While no training is mandatory, we encourage all members of our campus to take advantage of these opportunities to learn and engage, and to provide feedback and suggestions for topics for future trainings.
The Academic & Research Community Success Committee (ARCS-Comm) brings together representatives from LDEO’s research divisions, administrative units, and campus partners to foster an environment where research, scholarship, and community thrive. It provides a forum for sharing ideas, coordinating initiatives, and strengthening connections across campus. Through collaboration and exchange, ARCS-Comm supports professional development, mentoring, and skill building; elevates the voices and contributions of academic and research personnel at all career stages; and advances recognition of LDEO’s impact within the university, to prospective students and donors, and to the public.
Full Voting Members:
- Chair: Vicki Ferrini (ex-officio)
- Vice Chair: Andrea Paredes (ex-officio)
- Nicole deRoberts (ex-officio)
- Margie Turrin & Marisa Annunziato, LDEO Education & Outreach Programs
- Mackenzie Blanusa & Meredith Kime, DEES Graduate Students
- Rasheed Ajala & Srujan Kompella, LDEO Post Docs
- Ben Belzer, Technical Staff
Affiliate Committee Members: Affiliate members provide input and coordination as needed, and are expected to participate in the annual planning retreat and at least one additional meeting per semester.
- Representative, Office of Communications
- Representative, Office of Development & Alumni Relations
- Representative, LDEO Campus Life Committee