Coco Bacon Tastes Like Vomit

UCLA Geologist Aradhna Tripati Likes Clumped Isotopes and Ginkgo Trees

Aradhna Tripati is a geologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she leads a team that investigates what the molecular makeup of minerals can tell us about climate change and earth history. Before joining a Zócalo/UCLA panel discussion on fracking’s environmental effects—“Is Fracking Good for California?”—she talked in the Zócalo green room about her favorite beach, inspiring scientists, and America’s approach to climate change.

Q:

You recently tweeted, “coco bacon = mistake.” What is coco bacon?


A:

Dehydrated pieces of coconut. They’re about the size of your pinky nail, and they’re coated with hickory smoke or some other type of seasoning. They’re supposed to taste like bacon. I ordered some, and the first package that arrived tasted like vomit.


Q:

What frustrates you the most about how climate change is discussed in America?


A:

The degree of politicization.


Q:

Who is one of your science heroes?


A:

Neil deGrasse Tyson, because of his work in science communication—the fact that he inspires people of color, people who normally see a lot of white scientists.


Q:

Were you into geology when you were a kid?


A:

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Supreme Court justice. I didn’t even think of geology. I didn’t get into geology until I went to university.


Q:

Do you have a favorite kind of tree?


A:

Ginkgo.


Q:

What’s better: Greek yogurt or normal yogurt?


A:

Normal—but that’s only in theory. In practice, I like Greek yogurt more, but I avoid things that are processed.


Q:

You’re a self-described “clumped isotope geek.” What about clumped isotopes makes you geek out?


A:

The technical developments that we’re seeing right now. Clumped isotopes represent this new frontier in geochemistry. It’s not unlike the technological revolution that we’re seeing in Silicon Valley.


Q:

Do you have a celebrity crush?


A:

I like Depeche Mode.


Q:

Where’s your favorite place to go in Los Angeles on the weekends?


A:

There’s a great beach that I love, El Matador.


Q:

Last year, when you won the E.O. Wilson Award for Outstanding Science in Biodiversity Conservation, you were awarded a handcrafted ant sculpture. Where is that sculpture right now?


A:

It’s hanging up in one of my laboratories, above the mass spectrometer.


*PHOTO BY JAKE FABRICIUS.