Internship Journey with HMEI: Insights and Learnings
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In the heart of the summer of 2023, a rising college sophomore embarked on a captivating journey into the realm of geochemistry, courtesy of the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) Internship Program. Based in the Princeton Department of Geosciences, this internship provided a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) mass extinction event, a cataclysmic event that marked the end of the dinosaur era.
Rebecca Cho, the Natural Sciences Correspondent, recounts her experiences in the Sigman laboratory, where she worked alongside seasoned geochemists. The internship served as a bridge between coursework and real-world experiences, affirming Cho's interest in studying Geosciences as a concentration at Princeton.
The project titled "Reconstructing the marine environmental changes across the Cretaceous/Paleogene Mass Extinction with Nitrogen Isotopes in Planktonic Foraminifera" aimed to investigate ancient oceanic conditions during the K/Pg mass extinction event using geochemical proxies. The scientific focus lay in the analysis of nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) preserved within the shells of planktonic foraminifera, microscopic, shelled marine organisms, from ancient marine sediments.
These isotopic signatures offer valuable insights into past nutrient cycles, primary productivity, and oceanic conditions. By studying these proxies, researchers hope to understand the marine environmental changes that occurred around the K/Pg mass extinction event, approximately 66 million years ago.
Cho's role in the project involved hands-on laboratory techniques, including microfossil preparation, isotopic measurements, data analysis, and scientific communication under the guidance of HMEI researchers. She also had the opportunity to learn about interlab collaboration and ongoing research endeavors among the lab members.
The broader impacts of this research extend beyond the realm of geochemistry. By understanding how catastrophic events affect oceanic ecosystems, researchers can shed light on the resilience and recovery of marine life. Insights gained from this research can improve knowledge about present-day ocean health and responses to rapid environmental changes.
As Cho reflects on her summer research internship, she encourages other students to consider similar opportunities. Cho's experience underscores the value of immersing oneself in a research environment, fostering a deeper understanding of one's chosen field and providing invaluable experiences that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.
For students interested in environmental research, the HMEI Internship Program offers a promising avenue. The programme not only provides a platform for students to engage in cutting-edge research but also offers guidance and mentorship from experienced researchers in the field.
In a world where understanding our planet's past is crucial to predicting its future, programmes like the HMEI Internship Program are instrumental in nurturing the next generation of environmental researchers. Cho's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of such experiences, paving the way for a future filled with curiosity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of our world.
- Rebecca Cho's independent work during the HMEI Internship Program in the summer of 2023, focused on undergraduate research in Geosciences, particularly the investigation of marine environmental changes across the Cretaceous/Paleogene mass extinction event using nitrogen isotopes in planktonic foraminifera.
- The HMEI Internship Program not only offers students the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research in science fields, but also fosters education-and-self-development by providing guidance and mentorship from experienced researchers, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.
