Name: Leia Barnes ’24 MS’26
Major: Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Hometown: San Leandro, California
Objects: Waders, a shovel and a bucket filled with legacy sediments from her field work site in the Saucon Creek
Meaning Behind the Objects:
Leia Barnes ’24 MS’26 conducts research beyond campus labs in the Saucon Creek where she examines legacy sediments, which are deposits formed by erosion. This research is conducted using equipment she’s carried with her throughout her graduate studies: waterproof waders, a shovel to clear the outcrop of the legacy sediments from the creek and a bucket. The support of her research advisors Joan Ramage, associate professor of Earth and environmental sciences, and Frank Pazzaglia, professor of Earth and environmental sciences, has also been essential to her research journey and professional and personal growth.
“Joan is really supportive and she’s always ready to try different things,” Barnes said. “Frank takes time to really make sure you understand the topics you’re talking about. They’re both very supportive people.”
A major tributary of the Lehigh River that flows through Hellertown and surrounding areas, the creek serves as Barnes’ field site for her research work with Joan Ramage, associate professor of Earth and environmental sciences, and Frank Pazzaglia, professor of Earth and environmental sciences. Her work focuses on isolating different variables that contribute to increased flooding to help inform climate mitigation and adaptation policy.
Barnes’ field research involves collecting legacy sediments, deposits formed by erosion, in the fluctuating flow of the creek. This research is conducted using equipment she’s carried with her throughout her graduate studies: waterproof waders, a shovel to clear the outcrop of the legacy sediments from the creek and, instead of her typically small plastic cubes, a bucket to collect the sediment samples for analyzing.
The support of Ramage and Pazzaglia has also been essential to her research journey and professional and personal growth, with Pazzaglia even teaching Barnes to ride a bike while she was an undergraduate student.
“Joan is really supportive and she’s always ready to try different things,” Barnes said. “Frank takes time to really make sure you understand the topics you’re talking about or the things that are on his exams. They’re both very supportive people.”
The Class of 2026 reflects on the keepsakes, memories and milestones that shaped their Lehigh experience. Through personal stories and meaningful objects, these Future Makers share moments of growth, discovery and connection. Read the stories behind the keepsakes, or view the expanded photo essay.
