# Writing and wondering about soil You have found your way to this unusual corner of the internet because you must have some interest in soil. I am so happy to share that interest with you. I believe that soil science education and enjoyment should be accessible to everyone. That’s what these essays are all about. It seems important to introduce myself and explain why I write for soil and who I write for. ## Who I am I’m [Dr. Yamina Pressler](http://www.yaminapressler.com), a soil scientist, educator, writer, and artist. As far as formal qualifications go… I am an Assistant Professor of Soil Science and Restoration Ecology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I lead the [Coastal Soil Horizons & Ecology Lab (affectionately known as C-SHEL)](https://yaminapressler.com/Website/research/Coastal+Soil+Horizons+%26+Ecology+Lab+(C-SHEL)). I received a Ph.D. in Ecology from Colorado State University, and B.S. in Environmental Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University, prior to joining the faculty at Cal Poly in 2019. I regularly teach [courses in soil science and ecology](https://yaminapressler.com/Website/teaching/courses+I+teach) and have a lot of fun with it.  But I am much more than just my academic qualifications. I am deeply passionate about soils in a way that extends far beyond my day job. I am an artist and much of my artwork is inspired by soil. I am playful and love anything whimsical, colorful, and unique. I love cats, birdwatching, tiny objects, and drawing smiley faces. I wear pink, every day, and I have for years now. I don’t always feel like I fit the mold of what people expect from a soil scientist, and that’s okay. I continue to show up as myself anyway. ## Why I write about soil Conservation begins with learning, and learning begins with curiosity. Perhaps the best way that I can work towards greater conservation of soil is by being curious about it myself and inviting others into the process. Soils are so often overlooked. Popular narratives about soil are often rooted in extractive ideas, in which soils are framed as a natural resource from which we can extract for humanity’s gain. I see soils instead as a natural wonder that deserves to be celebrated, cared for, and approached with curiosity. This reframing is critical to changing the way we view and treat soils. I write to make soil science information accessible and approachable to everyone. I also write to help us all strengthen our connection to soils as natural wonders from which we have much to learn. ## Who I write for I’ve thought a lot about you. Who you are, what your interests might be, and how I can grow our shared love of soil together. ### I write for you! I am here to invite anyone and everyone to learn more about soil. My aim is to keep my[[learn about soil| essays about soil]] approachable and informative, but still personal and honest. Here’s a short list of folks who I think may be interested in my writing, in no particular order: - **students of soil science**, past and present, who enjoy learning and revisiting soil science ideas to stay connected to the discipline - **educators of all backgrounds** teaching across various disciplines and levels that are looking for soil science ideas for their own learning or to share directly with their students - **scientists** that study soil in some way and want to keep celebrating them - **nature lovers and naturalists** who want to learn more about the soils around them - **artists** looking to draw inspiration from soil and nature - **outdoor enthusiasts** who recreate in nature and want to learn more about the soils they spend time with on their adventures Do you see parts of yourself somewhere on this list? I want to get to know you better, so I invite you to introduce yourself and let me know what brings you here: [[contact me]] ### I write for myself, too Writing is such an important part of my creative practice and scholarly endeavors. Writing helps me understand what I know and don’t know and allows me to process the things I experience, learn, and read. When I am writing consistently, I am a better teacher, I am a more informed scientist, and I am more patient with myself as a lifelong learner. Honestly, the process of writing (even if I don’t share anything) just generally makes me feel better. That doesn’t mean that I don’t agonize over words, or that I am never overcome by self-doubt. I am. But writing helps me see myself and my ideas for what they are and I’ve found that it is the best way for me to actualize my curiosity and need for learning. > I love learning things. Knowing things is great, but learning things… that’s where I get the most satisfaction. This is a place for me to share what I’ve learned about soils in my decade of dedicating much of my brain space to studying them. But importantly, this is also a space for me to learn alongside you. Thank you for giving me the structure to do so.