Alicia Kevelin, BA Cellular and Molecular Biology; minor, Medical Anthropology '19
National Science Foundation Funded Atmospheric Chemistry Study
Barrow, Alaska
Alicia Kevelin not only collected just under 100 samples for next year’s CHEM 125 “Authentic Research in Snow Chemistry” class with the Pratt Lab Research Group, but also had one of the most unique and impactful experiences of her life. These samples will give next year’s CHEM 125 students a full profile of snow’s chemical composition in the arctic. They will clearly be able to see how different factors (snow type, location, and medium under the snow) effect the concentrations of different compounds (mainly those that are thought to originate from sea water) and therefore the types of atmospheric chemical reactions that can occur at those sites. This will not only allow them to participate in front of the line research, but the results will also contribute to answering the specific research questions Alicia is exploring in the lab. Alicia is looking at how variability in certain compound concentrations changes from one snow type to another, and the factors that could influence this variability. Examining this variability can led to findings related to climate change, air quality, and human health.
Alicia says, “Personally, I am extremely grateful that we were provided the funds to make this trip happen- as it was a huge step in my journey to becoming an influential member of the current scientific community. I will always be learning, but now I am reaching the point where I can exist on the other side - as a teacher. I believe that being an active member of the scientific community means both continuous learning and teaching (which also attributes to learning) - and participating on both ends allows for even more rapid personal growth. I am honored to have been able to receive this scholarship, and so happy that something like this exists so others can get a chance to grow in unprecedented ways as I did. All in all, this trip’s impact on me was extraordinary, and I plan to make this same extraordinary impact on next year’s class of CHEM 125- Snow Chemistry students to share the excitement and passion reaching one’s potential creates.”
Claire Mattson, BS Biochemistry; Honors '18
National Science Foundation Funded Atmospheric Chemistry Study
Barrow, Alaska
Over the past spring break, Claire Mattson along with two other members of the Pratt Lab Research Group, collected snow samples from approximately 13 different locations across Barrow, Alaska for analysis in Fall 2016’s offering of CHEM 125 “Authentic Research Experience in Snow Chemistry”. At each location, they collected 6 samples from a 100 meter transect (samples were 20 meters apart), in order to analyze variability in snow ion concentration. They also took snow samples from the tundra and from sea ice in order to investigate how variability compares between these two distinctly different locations.
Claire says, “This trip provided me with the amazing opportunity to see exactly how snow sampling occurs and witness the places where the data I analyzed just a few months prior came from. It is one thing to hear about the presence of sea ice leads and windblown snow in the Arctic, and a completely different experience to actually witness how abrupt and close the transition from sea ice to open water is. As an undergraduate instructor in CHEM125-Snow next semester, I will have so much more insight that I can provide to the students about the sampling procedure and outside conditions that I was unfortunately unable to be provided with last year.
Without the help of PICS funding, this trip would not have been possible. Due to Barrow’s relatively isolated location, travel and food costs add up pretty quickly. Additionally, in order to collect samples from the sea ice, we had to travel on snow machines and hire a bear guard to watch out for polar bears. The funding generously provided by PICS helped contribute to covering these costs. This trip was an incredible learning experience and introduction to research and field studies that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I am incredibly thankful that PICS helped make this possible.”
