Mountains, science, and friendship: my months in Golden, Colorado

In 2023, I had the opportunity to live a transformative experience during the six months I spent in the United States as part of my doctorate. With the support of a grant from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), I developed part of my research project in the Hydrological Sciences and Engineering Program at the Colorado School of Mines, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Kamini Singha—a world leader in hydrogeophysics, from whom I had the privilege of learning firsthand.

Professor Kamini's research group after attempting to play volleyball on the team's day off.

But this post isn't really about the data, the experiments, or the articles. It's about the connections, the encounters, and the moments that made this period unforgettable. Golden, a small, charming town at the foot of the Colorado Rockies, was the setting for this experience. I stayed temporarily at the home of dear Meridee, retired from the USGS, Ed, a professor emeritus in the Department of Physics, and Cooper, an extremely friendly yellow Labrador who made sure to tell the whole neighborhood when I was arriving at the house.

Right from the start, I was welcomed by Kamini's group with a generosity that left a deep impression on me. Among these people, I would like to highlight Sara Warix, now a professor at the University of Utah, who was one of the first people to welcome me to Golden.

Photo taken with my analogue camera. Sara Warix, the star!

Almost at the airport, if it weren't for my flight delay. Generous and contagious in her energy, she not only introduced me to the group, but also organized a hike in the mountains to celebrate my birthday. We became great lab partners (and engaged in an unofficial competition to see who could spend the most hours there). It was not an easy task to keep up with her: in addition to being brilliant at everything she did, Sara was the best water polo player at the university. Still, our shared coffees and conversations in the middle of experiments became one of the highlights of my routine there.

Hiking in the mountains to celebrate the birthday, not bad, right?

I was also fortunate to spend time with Kenny Swift Bird, a talented geochemist with a sharp sense of humor. Between experiments, I learned a lot from our conversations in the lab—about geosciences, indigenous culture, and, of course, basketball (he got all his predictions right, which was impressive). He and his wife Hanna even baked me a birthday cake, typically American with all the sugar in town.

Kenny, Hanna, and their dog who walks endlessly on trails.

Even the boring baseball game ended up being memorable with the Kamini crew. Like so many other activities outside of the academic routine, that game helped strengthen bonds with the group, turning colleagues into true friends.

Research group and the super exciting baseball game.

I also ventured into a 5 km race through the streets and trails of Golden. When I learned that Sara—my main lab “competitor” and unbeatable water polo athlete—would not be participating, I confess that for a brief moment I thought I might have a chance to win. I was wrong. The dry climate, altitude, and morning chill didn't make it any easier. Still, I crossed the finish line without being among the last ones.

Participation medal that now sits on the shelf in my living room, which I tell everyone is for first place.

It was an intense six months. Yes, there was technical learning—with access to an excellent academic structure and rich scientific exchanges—but mainly human growth. I returned to Brazil with new knowledge, but what struck me most were the connections I made, the unexpected conversations, the small gestures of welcome, and the moments that don't fit on a resume. I took with me friendships that I intend to maintain for life and a suitcase full of good memories. I hope to return one day to visit Golden again!

Happy hour in Golden CO!