2013 Archives - High Meadows Environmental Institute

Climate and Energy

Badami, Pranav ’15

PROJECT

QCD System Design

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health and Environment (MIRTHE), Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Claire Gmachl, Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering. Vice Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Science

Quantum cascade detectors (QCDs) can be used to detect the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere. As a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) intern at Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health and Environment (MIRTHE), I worked towards designing a commercially-viable QCD system for the detection low-wavelength light which is absorbed by potent greenhouse gases like methane. Similar QCD systems have been developed in the past using slow growth methods; our system was grown using Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) which is fast and industrially viable. In order to detect low-wavelength light, we opted to build a Gallium Nitride (GaN) system which has a high conduction band offset. Much of the internship was focused on hands-on cleanroom processing, where we fabricated GaN QCDs. After device processing was complete, we moved toward testing and characterization of the QCD. I acquired skills in photolithography, etching, and data analysis techniques; I also learned how to take measurements to determine if a QCD is functioning. I was able to present my initial data at the MIRTHE Summer Workshop. I learned a lot over the summer and gained new skills; I am considering exploring the field further once I look into other concentrations within the Electrical Engineering department.

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Chemistry

PROJECT

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Photocatalysts for Solar Water Splitting and Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Fuels

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Bruce Koel, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering

The goal of my PEI summer internship was to develop a better catalyst for solar-powered water splitting, mainly to serve as a hydrogen fuel source. Hydrogen can be used as a zero-emission energy source. However, current methods of generating sufficient quantities of hydrogen are problematic in that they are either energy-intensive or create large quantities of greenhouse gases. Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising method of generating hydrogen, and should theoretically only require a source of sunlight and water and an appropriate catalyst. I sought to test an alloy of zinc oxide and manganese oxide for use as a photocatalyst. This alloy has been theorized to be highly efficient but has not yet been successfully synthesized. Over the summer I ran experiments where I attempted to first synthesize very small zinc oxide nano-particles, then attempted to combine them with manganese oxide, then characterized the resulting product in terms of particle size and geometry using various materials science techniques. This internship taught me about independently carrying out a research project, and further confirmed my interest in scientific research as a career path.

Chemical and Biological Engineering

PROJECT

Engineering for Advanced Energy Storage and Distribution

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Lightening Energy, Dover, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Michael Epstein, Lightening Energy

This summer I was an intern with Lightening Energy, a company that develops Lithium-Ion batteries for applications ranging from vehicles to military equipment. Our projects focused on aiding the company’s battery development, engineering, and commercial product design for methods of energy storage and distribution. I helped build battery cells, conduct research and complete write-ups for reports, and test new battery materials. From these tasks, I gained insight into numerous aspects of running a business. I observed lab work, research, insurance proceedings, meetings with donors, and more. I also explored diverse aspects of the engineering field. As a result, I am now able to work well with professionals producing tangible work—I know more formal lab procedures, and am more proficient in Microsoft Excel. After being exposed to these tasks, I learned that I have a passion for hands-on activities such as lab work and various physics experiments. Thanks to this internship, I think that I want to pursue something more hands-on for my career. The company taught me that there is so much more to explore in the field of Chemical Engineering. I am extremely grateful to have played a small part in their story.

Gordon, Christopher Kwadwo ’15

Chemical and Biological Engineering

PROJECT

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Electronic Devices

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Yueh-Lin Loo,Theodora D. '78 and William H. Walton III '74 Professor in Engineering. Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Associate Director for External Partnerships, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment; Jia Gao, Postdoctoral Res

I really enjoyed my summer research internship with the Loo Group at Princeton University. My project involved using an inkjet printer to deposit carbon nanotubes onto preprocessed silicon wafers to make simple electronic devices (Field Effect Transistors). This technique is scalable to industrial levels of production and it offers precise control over the location and quantity of deposited material. As such, cost, materials, and energy consumption as well as the environmental impact of production can all be greatly reduced. This in turn would likely make technology cheaper and more accessible and thus address the world’s energy challenge. I spent the majority of my internship perfecting the preparation and dispensation of the “carbon nanotube ink” in order to achieve working devices. I learned how to construct and conduct systematic studies, how to troubleshoot effectively, and how to sift through various books and research papers to obtain specific relevant information. This internship stimulated and sharpened my interest in doing research at a higher level while allowing me to work in a friendly yet challenging environment. I would definitely recommend future internships with the Loo research group and I will use this invaluable experience in looking towards graduate school.

Chemistry

PROJECT

Core-Shell Particles

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Michael McAlpine, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Through my internship this summer, I was able to step outside of the research opportunities typically available to a chemistry major and try my hand at something different—materials science engineering in a mechanical engineering lab. Throughout this experience, I gained valuable skills and made significant headway in preparing myself for my senior thesis.

Materniak, Eric ’14

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

PROJECT

Engineering for Advanced Energy Storage Technology

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Lightening Energy, Dover, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Mike Epstein, Lightening Energy

As an intern at Lightening Energy this past summer, I performed many tasks related to energy storage technology. Lightening Energy, a small company, submits many proposals for military contracts. One such proposal was for a vehicle battery with an increased charge retention life. On just the second day of my internship, we needed to perform a heat transfer calculation to verify the charge retention life of this vehicle battery. This kind of atmosphere made the internship very exciting. As Lightening Energy is considering manufacturing their lithium ion batteries in the near future, I developed a cost model for a lithium ion battery manufacturing plant to determine if the company could compete with large scale manufacturers in Asia. In order to make the batteries affordable on a large scale, Lightening Energy also wanted a new simple and cost-effective case design for their lithium ion cell, which I designed using CAD software. Another part of my internship involved researching alternative materials for fuel cell interconnects. These energy technologies can be used to reduce dependence on fossil fuel power plants which provide extra power to the grid. I thoroughly enjoyed my internship this summer and am considering a career related to energy storage technology or alternative energy.

McNellis, Ryan ’15

Operations Research and Financial Engineering

PROJECT

odels for Energy Distribution and Banking

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Lightening Energy, Dover, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Michael Epstein, Lightening Energy

My internship with Lightening Energy (LE) this summer was both rewarding and challenging. LE is a company specializing in technology for advanced battery and rapid recharging for electric motor vehicles and military applications. I was responsible for developing the mathematical models and computer code for a new web application that the company is creating. I constructed the web page/user interface for the app and provided presentations on the utility of the app to shareholders and customers of the company. This internship gave me a chance to apply what I learned in my academic studies at Princeton to a real world problem. I’m now considering getting a PhD in operations research after I graduate since what I have learned thus far in the field as an undergraduate prepared me well for the issues I tackled this summer. It also gave me invaluable professional experience; for example, I learned how to make the most out of business meetings and how to present and pitch ideas effectively. Finally, my time at LE helped me to see what it is like to work for a small company, in contrast to doing research at a university, as I did last summer.

Nogueira, Marina ’16

Molecular Biology

PROJECT

Microbial Fuel Cells: Microfluidic Approaches to Microbial Fuel Cells

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Complex Fluids Group - Stone Lab

MENTOR(S)

Howard Stone, Donald R. Dixon '69 and Elizabeth W. Dixon Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This summer I investigated the role of biofilm streamers in the clogging of porous materials. Biofilms are bacterial communities that occupy most moist surfaces and are known for clogging industrial flow systems and causing medical-device-associated infections. Previous research in the Stone Lab showed that biofilms, in the presence of flow, can form three-dimensional structures, which bridge the spaces between obstacles and cause sudden and rapid clogging. This summer, we were interested to see if streamers form in porous materials which are used in various filtration systems, and whether these streamers dictate clogging dynamics in real soil. I used microfluidic channels to mimic a soil-like environment. I was then able to look at streamer formation in the channels and gather data, such as flow rates and clogging times, to understand the dynamics in these systems. It was exciting to see that biofilm streamers could form in porous materials like soil and may play a role in the clogging dynamics. I really enjoyed my experience this summer and I was encouraged to keep researching. I will continue to work on the project during the semester and I now know that I would like to pursue a career in science research.

Nyathi, Sindiso ’16

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

PROJECT

What Trees Could Learn from Alan Greenspan

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Adam Wolf, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

I spent the summer working with four other undergraduates and Prof. Adam Wolf assessing the possible effects of changing climate on transpiration and water use in trees–primarily the white oak, black oak and pitch pine. My role was to determine how different levels of water availability affect transpiration in trees. I did this by constructing sap-flow probes, which measure the sap flow rate of trees. These trees were then artificially subjected to varying levels of water availability and their sap flow rates measured. The sap flow rates were then used to calculate transpiration at different times of day and at different water availability levels. In addition to constructing, installing, and maintaining the probes, I wrote the programs used to analyze the data collected. I conducted research to investigate how previous researchers had determined estimates of transpiration, attempted to replicate these methods, and determined which was the most efficient. I gained practical skills in circuit design and circuit construction, working with languages such as CRBasic and Matlab, and working with Dataloggers. The internship has encouraged me, among other things, to further investigate the application of automated computer systems in the monitoring of environmental conditions.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

PROJECT

Mitigating Climate Accelerants

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Boulder, CO

MENTOR(S)

Peter Zalzal, Environmental Defense Fund

This summer, I was an engineering intern on the Climate and Air team for EDF. The majority of the work I performed was based on researching mitigation options for non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In particular, I was heavily involved in EDF’s efforts to develop a strategy for hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) mitigation. HFCs are extremely potent greenhouse gases that are mostly emitted from refrigeration and air conditioning technology. Throughout the summer, I produced a document that outlined mitigation options for HFCs in the U.S. and internationally and for how EDF could begin to pursue these options. In addition to my work on HFCs, I also did research on mitigation of black carbon emissions in the U.S., volatile organic compound emissions in Northern Colorado, and potential green jobs in Ohio. My experience with the EDF was pivotal in determining what I would like to pursue once I graduate. I woke up every morning excited about what I would do at work that day, and it was extremely fulfilling to be working on projects that I believed could make a real difference in the enviornment. As a result, I hope to continue my career in environmental protection.

Shivers, Jordan ’16

Chemical and Biological Engineering

PROJECT

Microbial Fuel Cells: Microfluidic Approaches to Microbial Fuel Cells

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University, Princeton,NJ

MENTOR(S)

Howard Stone, Donald R. Dixon '69 and Elizabeth W. Dixon Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Biofilms are antibiotic-resistant communities of bacteria that adhere to moist surfaces and are responsible for numerous medical device-related infections. Under flow conditions in non-uniform environments, certain bacteria form 3D streamers which span across gaps and can cause rapid clogging. During my internship with the Stone Research Group, I studied some of the mechanics behind the formation of these streamers in several strains of Staphylococcus aureus and the idea of modifying gene expression to control the adherence of these streamers to surfaces. While working on the project, I learned a tremendous amount about biofilms, microfluidics, and bacterial quorum sensing as well as the nuances of working with bacteria in the lab. The internship allowed me to experience the practical application of many ideas I had learned in my biology classes and gave me valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of conducting scientific research. These experiences definitely strengthened my interest in biology and chemistry. I plan to continue working on this project during the school year.

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Sneathen, Bethany ’16

Molecular Biology

PROJECT

What Trees Could Learn from Alan Greenspan

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Adam Wolf, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

During my summer internship with the Caylor Lab in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of Princeton University, I studied water transport during drought in oak and pine trees in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. Global climate change increases the likelihood of droughts to occur and to be increasingly severe; knowing how various tree species respond to drought aids predictions of how an ecosystem will respond to drought. My lab group pursued this topic by inducing drought in some trees while irrigating others with “heavy” water. By doing this, we could analyze the change in certain parameters of plant hydraulics in the drought trees, such as leaf conductivity and turgor loss point, while the leaves and stems of the irrigated trees could be analyzed to determine the isotopic ratios of water as time passed. Through this internship, I learned how imperative teamwork and adaptability are to the operation of a lab. Although my experience with environmental research was enlightening in various ways, I intend to apply the new skills I acquired from this internship to other academic endeavors, as I pursue a concentration in Molecular Biology and a certificate in Global Health and Health Policy.

Szamreta, Nicholas ’14

Chemical and Biological Engineering

PROJECT

Measuring the Intrinsic Capacitance of Graphene/Ionic Liquid Interfaces for High Energy Density Supercapacitors

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Ceramic Materials Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Ilhan Aksay, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering; David Bozym, Ph.D. candidate, Chemical and Biological Engineering

This past summer, I had the pleasure of working in the Ceramic Materials Laboratory at Princeton University, where I researched the potential applications of functionalized graphene sheets (FGSs) and room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in supercapacitors. Supercapacitors present advantages over batteries, because they have much higher power densities and cycle lives. In other words, they charge and discharge more quickly than batteries and remain stable for a large number of these cycles. However, the energy density of such devices needs to be increased substantially to compete with batteries. The energy density of a supercapacitor is dependent upon the total voltage applied to the device and the capacitance of the electrode material. The coupling of FGSs and RTILs addresses both of these factors: RTILs remain stable over a large voltage window, while the high specific surface area of FGSs allows for more charge storage. I spent the summer investigating the capacitance that is intrinsic to the interface between these two materials. In addition to becoming experienced with electrochemical methods, such as impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, I also obtained data that are both interesting and relevant to the field. My findings are promising and provide motivation for continued research, something that I plan on doing as part of my senior thesis this coming year.

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Chemistry

PROJECT

What Trees Could Learn From Alan Greenspan

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Adam Wolf, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

This past summer I worked in the Caylor Ecohydrology lab helping to develop a model that describes how trees manage limited water resources. I primarily used a Scanning Electron Microscope to characterize xylem microphysiology in Pine and Oak species from the New Jersey Pinelands during different climate conditions. I learned to use MATLAB and create bash scripts in the terminal. Using both, I made a program that created and stored continuous data visualizations for the isotope analyzer in the lab. During my PEI internship, I developed more programming skills and had the opportunity to use advanced and primitive technologies to perform ecological research. I now know much more about laboratory and field research across various disciplines. Working as a team to complete various goals, my coworkers and I forwarded the frontier in our understanding of tree ecology. I plan to use the experience I have gained to engage in more environmental research projects and focus my studies around biological and environmental chemistry. I hope to someday conduct field research as part of a career in environmental sciences.

Zarakas, Claire ’16

Geosciences

PROJECT

Scaling and Coupling of the Atmosphere with Land Ecosystems

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama); Medvigy Group (Princeton University)

MENTOR(S)

David Medvigy, Assistant Professor of Geosciences

This summer I investigated herbivory in nitrogen-fixing trees as compared to non-nitrogen-fixing trees in tropical second-growth forests. I spent the first half of the internship doing field work in Panama, where I helped design and implement an experiment that consisted of collecting leaf samples from nitrogen-fixing and non-nitrogen-fixing trees and setting up a comparative branch enclosure study. I then returned to Princeton where I worked with the Ecosystem Demography Model 2 to simulate how herbivory impacts the accumulation of biomass in secondary succession. I feel very fortunate to have experienced both field research and computational research through PEI; I will continue the computational component with David Medvigy during the academic year. In addition to developing my technical skills, this internship exposed me to a wide range of scientific research and a fascinating community of scholars. It has inspired me to major in geosciences, solidified my commitment to address environmental change professionally, and excited me about the prospect of continuing research at Princeton and beyond.

Development

Woodrow Wilson School

PROJECT

Assessing the Impact of Holistic Management on Cattle Health, Vegetation, and Wildlife

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Grevy's Zebra Trust, Kenya

MENTOR(S)

Daniel Rubenstein, Class of 1877 Professor of Zoology. Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Chair, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Director, Program in African Studies

My internship work was part of a greater study to determine how two different livestock grazing regimes – traditional and “holistic” – affect the health of livestock; the quantity, quality, and diversity of vegetation; and the presence of wildlife in the West Gate Community Conservancy (WGCC) of Samburu County, Kenya. Some pastoralists in West Gate have adopted “holistic management” practices – namely rotational grazing. However, few quantitative assessments have been conducted to determine the impact of these practices on cattle health, vegetation, and wildlife. Thus, with the principle goal of obtaining quantitative data for analysis, I measured the body conditions, movement, and distance travelled, bite/step rates, and parasite loads of representative samples of distinct cattle populations in WGCC. Because we were in West Gate during the dry season and no notable differences in the effects of the two grazing regimes, if any were observed at all, would be observable until the rainy season, my research partner and I also trained two community members to monitor the project and to continue collecting data after our departure. An unparalleled opportunity and an incredibly rewarding experience, this internship has reinforced my desire to work in the fields of development and natural resource management.

Smith, Katherine ’15

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

PROJECT

Plant water stress and source: Impacts of herbivory in riparian zones

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Mpala Reserach Centre, Kenya

MENTOR(S)

Kelly Caylor, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

My project brought together ecology and chemistry, as I worked for both an ecology professor and an engineering professor with an interest in ecohydrology. I spent my time this summer focusing on water; specifically, a river’s interactions with other parts of the ecosystem, including both flora and fauna. I examined the role of grazing on water stress in plants near rivers, as well as the differences in water source in plants located on different bank slopes. On a given day, I would collect soil, grass, and water samples and bring them back to the lab, where I would process the samples to analyze soil moisture and to get an isotopic signature of the water in the plants and soils. These signatures allowed us to quantify the plants’ water sources and their levels of water stress. I learned a great deal about sampling methods and field research biology, both through my project and through other researchers at the center. This project opened my eyes to potential job opportunities, both in formal academia and in managing projects for professors after graduation. I am looking forward to doing more fieldwork as research for my senior thesis, particularly ecological fieldwork with an emphasis on conservation.

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Sustainability

Campion, Alison ’16

Geosciences

PROJECT

Maloof Earth History Group

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Maloof Earth History Group, Australia

MENTOR(S)

Adam Maloof, Associate Professor, Geosciences

I spent the summer assisting a geoscience graduate student collect rock samples in the Pilbara Craton of Western Australia. The samples we collected formed 2.7 billion years ago and contain magnetic minerals that recorded the orientation of Earth’s magnetic field at the time of formation, which can be correlated with the latitude at which the rock formed. Using this technique, we will be able to model how the Australian continental plate was moving during the Archaean, a time period in which scientists are unsure how a warmer mantle would influence plate movement. I was not only able to spend my summer hiking and camping in beautiful Western Australia, but I was also able to work closely with professors and graduate students, which was an incredible experience. I learned how to conduct geological field research, how to interpret detailed observations to better understand the natural world, how to read geological maps, and how to overcome unexpected challenges in the field all of which will be invaluable when it comes time for me to conduct my own research in the geosciences department for my junior papers and senior thesis.

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Chang, Michael S. ’16

Molecular Biology

PROJECT

Sea Urchin Research

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), Bermuda

MENTOR(S)

Dr. Andrea Bodnar, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences; Dr. Helena Reinardy, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

The molecular biology lab team with which I interned this summer focused on using sea urchins as a model for anti-aging and cancer research. Sea urchins have an incredible range of natural life spans (including extreme longevity and negligible senescence) and have shown very few instances of cancer in comparison to other marine organisms. My independent work investigated the DNA integrity of sea urchin larvae and their capacity to repair DNA damage after exposure to two commonly used genotoxicants, UV-C radiation and hydrogen peroxide. My project fit within a larger effort to measure the extent to which different types of sea urchin cells and tissues could reduce DNA damage—and to isolate the genes responsible for this repair. Ultimately, this information will increase our understanding of genetic repair pathways, which is important in the field of cancer research. Through this experience, I learned how to use quantitative assays, microplate readers, qPCR, epifluorescent microscopy, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization. I loved researching and working with full-time scientists in the lab this summer, and I cannot wait to explore more research opportunities later at Princeton.

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Cheung, Tiffany ’15

Geosciences

PROJECT

Ocean Acidification and Photosynthesis

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

MENTOR(S)

François Morel, Albert G. Blanke, Jr., Professor of Geosciences

The goal of my summer project in the Morel lab was to address and understand the role of ocean acidification on the photosynthetic pathways of phytoplankton. As this is my second year working on this project, I chose to narrow my research focus on Rubisco, a crucial enzyme in carbon fixation. Using the model organism Thalassiosira weissflogii, a tropical diatom, I examined the effects of increasing temperature, light intensity, and diel cycling on Rubisco in this diatom. In addition to performing laboratory studies, I also embarked on a week-long field excursion with the Sigman Lab at Sargasso Sea, aiding other researchers in field sample collections for future studies. My PEI internship, supported by the Smith-Newton Undergraduate Research Funds, allowed me to refine my laboratory skills, collaborate with other researchers, and develop my own project interests for my junior paper. My geosciences junior paper will examine the role and physiology (carbon fixation rates, CO2/O2 selectivity) of Rubisco in the model diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii in response to increasing temperature.

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Daniels, Allanna ’16

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

PROJECT

Conservation of Montane Frogs

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca Amazónica, Peru

MENTOR(S)

Alessandro Catenazzi, Southern Illinois University

This summer, I worked as a research intern with Professor Alessandro Catenazzi to study the impact and prevalence of the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytritium dendrobatidis, on amphibian species on the eastern slope of the Andes in Peru. We studied amphibians at three different biological stations, each at different levels of elevation, to determine if the survival rates of specific species correlated to changes in elevation and/or temperature. We collected over 1,000 samples from mountain roads and hiking trails to determine prevalence and ran PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests to study the fungus. I swabbed frogs for the fungus, performed dissections, and at one station assisted a graduate student with his project to determine which species of frog, if any, was a possible carrier of the disease. As a side project, I also collected soil samples to study pH and moisture levels of previously sampled leaf litter plots. I now have a better understanding and command of DNA extraction techniques and sample collection in the field. I also semi-conquered my fear of spiders after working in the field. After this internship, I am certain that I would like to do my independent work mostly in a lab.

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Favetta, Bruna ’15

Chemical and Biological Engineering

PROJECT

Whale Migration: Where, When and Why

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (AOS), Princeton University, Princeton, NJ and Sweden

MENTOR(S)

James Watson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

The goal of this research project was to further our understanding of baleen whale migration. There are a variety of locations where whales have been spotted feeding and calving but it is not yet well defined why these whales go where they go. To help improve our understanding of the factors involved, the team constructed a model that synthesized these possible factors and predicted regions where whales could feed and calve. I began the development of such model in the python language, a process that also required an extensive literature search. While the first version of the model was very rough and used various simplifications, the model evolved with the use of more sophisticated modeling software. Seeing the end product of the internship, a map that describes critical feeding and calving zones for baleen whales, allowed me to experience and appreciate the more computer-oriented part of lab work in biology. I discovered that I really enjoy the overlap between biology and computer science (computational modeling) and learning how powerful and relevant these models are (the same model can be used to help predict whether climate change will put whales under even more migratory stress). This experience has influenced the sort of career I’ll be looking for after Princeton.

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Gatto, Elizabeth ’16

Woodrow Wilson School

PROJECT

Economic Policy in Environmental Markets

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), New York, NY

MENTOR(S)

Jonathan Camuzeaux, Environmental Defense Fund

As an intern with the Economic Policy team at EDF, I worked on projects related to the social cost of carbon, cap and trade, and climate effects of natural gas. In particular, I researched and analyzed monetary damage functions on sea level rise, ocean acidification, and freshwater resources, which estimate future losses in these sectors as a result of climate change. I composed a memo on gasoline price elasticity and cost pass-through rates in the United States with respect to the cap and trade program instated by the California Global Warming Solutions Act. I also located data on methane leakage and upstream carbon dioxide emissions for compressed and liquefied natural gas systems. Through this internship, I gained valuable insights into the importance of public policy and economics in environmental efforts. My rewarding experience at EDF reinforced my aspirations to pursue a career in environmental services.

Hall, Katrina ’14

Woodrow Wilson School

PROJECT

Potential Fisheries Responses to Mississippi River Delta Restoration

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Washington, DC

MENTOR(S)

Brian Jackson, Environmental Defense Fund

Facing severe coastal erosion, the state of Louisiana has developed a plan to create sediment diversions to nourish and rebuild the coastline. As an intern with EDF this summer, I studied how such diversions in the Mississippi River Delta area might impact the aquatic species that are most central to Louisiana’s recreational and commercial fisheries. Working primarily with data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I ranked species by value and weight caught. I created timelines and life history summaries for species, focusing on how salinity and temperature preferences shifted throughout the seasons. I analyzed Louisiana catch data during and following Mississippi flood years to see if the influx of freshwater had any discernible effects, looking at monthly, yearly, and regional data. I presented my findings to a group of people affiliated with Mississippi River Delta restoration. This internship improved my graphics, data analysis, and self study skills, and confirmed my interest in fisheries, which I hope to research for my senior thesis.

Haynes, Rebecca ’15

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

PROJECT

The Conservation of Costa Rica's Felines: a Study of the Ecosystem and the People

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Osa Conservation, Costa Rica

MENTOR(S)

Andrew Dobson, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Peter Molnar, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

I spent the summer of 2013 on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. The dense, biologically diverse rainforest where I lived was the perfect place to study the conservation of jaguars, pumas, and ocelots, whose populations have decreased in size and range due to poaching and destruction of habitat. I investigated this problem by studying both the forest and the people living around it. I set up motion-sensored camera traps to take photos of animals in the area, estimating the community composition of the forest, and comparing the data collected on my cameras to the data of another researcher. I also interviewed local Costa Ricans, with a focus on farmers, to see how they felt about the presence of wild cats near their farms and homes. Understanding problems and attitudes surrounding human-wildlife conflict is central to the conservation of endangered species in the area. Immersed in a new ecosystem, I gained invaluable experience conducting scientific research and learning about social problems of conservation first-hand. I will spend this year analyzing my data and writing up results. I may continue similar work next summer for my senior thesis, hoping to continue on the path to a career in ecological conservation.

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Hoyos, David ’16

Undeclared

PROJECT

Agricultural Nitrogen Pollution and Export in the Agricultural Mississippi Delta

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS

MENTOR(S)

Lars Hedin, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Princeton Environmental Institute. Director, Program in Environmental Studies

Growth in the anoxic (lack of oxygen) “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico is attributing to nitrogen fertilizer runoff from farms into the Mississippi River, ultimately killing marine animals. In order to understand how the environment is reacting to the increasing levels of nitrogen attributed to agriculture, another Princeton student and I examined the roles that denitrifying microbes had in reducing increasing ambient nitrogen levels. We collected soil and water samples from the Mississippi Delta region in order to: analyze soil/water carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations; perform isotope analysis on the samples; search for denitrifying gene presence in the microbial communities; and quantify denitrification rates. I assisted in organizing a sampling/laboratory plan in order to collect and analyze the samples. This internship was unforgettable! It helped me to begin to unravel the fabric of environmental nutrient cycling—and what humans are doing to change it. This internship heightened my interest in pursuing a Certificate in Environmental Studies.

Hssaine, Chamsi ’16

Woodrow Wilson School

PROJECT

Potable Water for la Pitajaya

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Princeton University; Perú

MENTOR(S)

Professor Peter Jaffe, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Associate Director for Research, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment

This summer our team travelled to Perú for six weeks to build a potable water system in the community of La Pitajaya, which has no access to drinking water. We aimed to complete the water system for the part of the community at a higher altitude (La Pitajaya Alta), to collect data in the lower part of the community (La Pitajaya Baja) which will inform our technical designs for the Baja water system to be built in summer 2014, and to introduce our educational project of 13 environmental lesson plans in the local school of Samne. Three kilometres of trenched pipeline, one pressure break, several tapstands, hundreds of data points, and multiple school visits later, we are happy to say that we completed the objectives for this trip Potable water is now flowing in la Pitajaya Alta! Facing the problems that inevitably arise with completing a developmental project and being abroad, developed our independence and greatly honed our problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and adaptability. Now more than ever before we can appreciate how truly privileged we are. This project has inspired some of our team members to work in international development and humanitarian engineering, for organizations like the Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders.

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Ivanova, Ani ’14

Architecture

PROJECT

Sustainable Design Principles: Tectonic Detail to the Urban Environment

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

EFGH Design Studio, New York, NY

MENTOR(S)

Hayley Eber, Visiting Lecturer in Architecture; Frank Gesualdi, Columbia GSAPP and The Pratt Institute

This summer I interned at the architectural firm EFGH, hoping to familiarize myself with the implementation of environmental thought at each step of the architectural design process. I started by learning how to use essential software (Autodesk® Ecotect® Analysis, Grasshopper, and Kangaroo) that facilitates the environmental design process. In the meantime, our team was selected along with two other teams (out of 126 applicants) to develop a design proposal for the renovation of the Van Alen Institute (VAI) headquarters. We had to propose a design that is LEED® certified and that promotes and fosters dialogue on sustainability. I was involved in the research part of this project (precedents, detailed study of LEED® Gold certification requirements, material use), and in the design process; I focused on the development of proposals for a parklet/street seat maintained by VAI. Being involved in the development of a project that aims to further the sustainability discourse in the architecture/urbanism field reconfirmed my desire to be an urban designer and to foster environmental awareness. My advisers strengthened my conviction that environmental awareness is best achieved if practitioners are actively engaged in academia as well; I hope that in my future professional career I will be involved in both.

Operations Research and Financial Engineering

PROJECT

Native Plant Propigation Optimization Research

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

American Native Nursery, Pennsylvania

MENTOR(S)

Mark Brownlee, American Native Nursery

The goal of my internship with American Native Nursery was to research native plant propagation methods and to develop an Excel model that nurseries can use to run experiments to maximize their yield. For the model we used the Taguchi method. In traditional models, all combinations of levels (amount or type) of all factors (e.g. fertilizer, soil drainage) need to be tested to calculate results. The Taguchi method allows you to determine the optimal level of several factors and their relative significance with a much smaller number of experiments. In order to develop a good model I spent several weeks researching propagation methods. I then determined which factors should be tested and began building the models in Excel. Once my models were completed, I spent the final weeks of my internship tweaking the models’ user interface and writing user’s manuals so the models could be used and understood by laymen. Through this internship I gained a lot of experience in running my own long-term technical project and creating a mathematical model that is easy to use and understand. This internship has confirmed my desire to use mathematical models–both in my academic study and in life beyond Princeton – in order improve processes that are not typically analyzed.

Wiest, Michael ’15

Chemical and Biological Engineering

PROJECT

Microplastics in the Aegean Sea

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, Greece

MENTOR(S)

Anastasia Miliou, Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

My research this past summer focused on analyzing microplastic concentrations in Aegean Sea sediment and in Aegean sea cucumbers. Microplastics are a growing threat not only to international waters but also to the health of marine life and humans; they endure for an extremely long time and accumulate organic toxins which can be transmitted into the trophic chain. My main project consisted of sampling sediment in the sea along the shore, at depths of 3 meters and 6 meters, and finding sea cucumbers and collecting their excrement. I then compared the microplastic concentration of the excrement to that of the surrounding sediment. I altered the methodology for sampling sediment and sea cucumbers to make the data more comparable on a per mass basis. I also prompted the research to analyze organic toxin concentrations in the collected microplastic samples. I gained many skills related to collecting samples and the proper ways of storing and organizing them. I also became very proficient at analyzing microscope slides for microplastics. This research has reaffirmed my love of marine biology and it makes me want to introduce it into my major.

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Zenes, Nicole ’15

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

PROJECT

Impacts of Natural Gas Pipeline Construction in the Delaware River Watershed

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN), Pike County, PA and Sussex County, NJ

MENTOR(S)

Joseph Zenes, Delaware Riverkeeper Network

This summer I worked with the DRN monitoring the construction of a natural gas pipeline by Tennessee Gas Company (TGP). My father works as an environmental scientist for DRN and I joined his project of monitoring the work done by TGP, making sure they followed proper environmental regulations. Almost daily visits were required to different locations on the pipeline; we mainly focused on sites along a 12-mile section. We documented violations when they were discovered. I was required to write official reports to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection that described my findings. This internship also offered opportunities to network and attend larger conferences. I gave a presentation at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia detailing the work I had done over the summer. I also helped to develop a program to train local volunteers as watchdogs to help monitor pipelines being constructed elsewhere. While this was an extremely rewarding experience, I realized that I want to focus more on marine biology and research as a career instead of public outreach and environmentalism.

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Zhou, Jennifer ’16

Woodrow Wilson School

PROJECT

Energy Analysis and Advocacy in China

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), China

MENTOR(S)

Alvin Lin, National Resources Defense Council

As the summer intern for the Climate and Energy Policy team at the NRDC Beijing office, my primary project was NRDC’s Climate and Energy Map. The Map was designed as an innovative and interactive platform with which the public could access and better understand China’s energy portfolio and climate data. My role in the project was primarily updating the data for all the maps and graphs for 2011. I was also part of the pioneering team that would collect and analyze energy data to create China’s first energy flow chart for 2011. I was required at times to help with translation and editing of scientific reports as well as presentations for the climate team. Through this internship, I learned about and contributed to the true fundamental importance of data transparency, accessibility, and agglomeration, all issues that the Chinese government struggles with. Although I am just a freshman, my work with the Climate and Energy Map allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of energy consumption, production, and renewable source potential, which has really stimulated me to think about the possibility of an Environmental Studies Certificate. This internship certainly strengthened my data analysis and innovative thinking skills.

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Our New Home

Meet Our Past Interns - 2013

Badami, Pranav ’15

Bai, Vincent ’14

Campbell, Ethan ’16

Catovic, Ismael ’15

Chang, Brian ’16

Chang, Elliot ’16

Constantin, Marius ’14

Eisenberg, Jacob ’16

Ekanem, Chantelle ’16

Gordon, Christopher Kwadwo ’15

Gupta, Sarthak ’14

Huang, Tzu-Yung ’15

Johnsen, Peter ’15

Lubkeman, Jordan ’16

MacDonagh, Aidan ’14

Masters, Nina ’14

Materniak, Eric ’14

McNellis, Ryan ’15

Nogueira, Marina ’16

Nyathi, Sindiso ’16

Ohlwiler, Caden ’15

Oladosu, Olamide ’15

Paul, Elizabeth ’15

Qu, Zhaonan ’15

Ross, Kevin ’14

Shivers, Jordan ’16

Sneathen, Bethany ’16

Szamreta, Nicholas ’14

Tamargo, Ian ’14

Tamasi, Tyler ’15

Tolman, Elizabeth ’15

Treacy, Sean ’16

Zarakas, Claire ’16

Bobrick, Emily ’15

Choi, Jonathan ’15

Gokhale, Manali ’16

Grossman, Ray ’15

Harkins, Eliza ’14

Kane-Ritsch, Kelsey ’16

Oliver, Imani ’14

Ragazzo, Gabrielle ’15

Slotten, Delphine ’15

Smith, Katherine ’15

Campion, Alison ’16

Chang, Michael S. ’16

Cheung, Tiffany ’15

Daniels, Allanna ’16

Favetta, Bruna ’15

Gatto, Elizabeth ’16

Hall, Katrina ’14

Haynes, Rebecca ’15

Hoyos, David ’16

Hssaine, Chamsi ’16

Ivanova, Ani ’14

Kaplan, Emily ’14

Kissoondyal, Indira ’16

Li, Amanda ’16

Little, Kathryn ’16

Lowy, Rebecca ’16

Madhavan, Nihar ’15

Parrado, Andres ’15

Shah, Katsuri ’16

Szczuka, Aleksandra ’14

Tien, Benjamin ’15

Tourgee, Amy ’14

Wang, Regina ’14

Wellons, Megan ’15

Wiest, Michael ’15

Zenes, Nicole ’15

Zhou, Jennifer ’16