Leila Fischer
Willamette University
Research Mentor: Emma Heitmann
Project: Reconstructing climate and topographic history of the Colorado Plateau using isotope geochemistry
This summer I had the opportunity to work with Emma Heitmann, a PhD student in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences, on her projects involving climate and topographic changes on the Colorado Plateau. I spent most of my time working in Isolab, University of Washington’s interdisciplinary isotope laboratory. During my days in the lab I got to work with a Nu Perspective Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer, and since the instrument was so new to the lab I got to be involved in the experimental process of testing its limits and overall precision. I collaborated frequently with lab manager Andy Shauer, who was both incredibly knowledgeable and creative in his solutions to problems we discovered.
Outside of the lab, I spent several days working in Python and R doing data cleaning and analysis. This was a sometimes tedious but crucial step to understanding both how to fix our issues with the mass spectrometer and how to answer our research question: How do measured stable isotope ratios reflect climate and topographic changes on the Colorado Plateau?
Aside from lab and data work, Emma also made efforts to provide other learning opportunities for me throughout the summer. I was able to join in on a geoscience class field trip in the Chuckanut Mountains, where I learned more about how geologists work in the field and how sedimentary formations are manipulated by tectonic and flooding activity. We also participated in smaller group discussions with other interns and mentors, which allowed me to learn about other CICOES projects.
I would like to thank Emma Heitmann, Kate Huntington, Andy Shauer, and CICOES for supporting my summer experience!
Project Introduction
Research Poster
