Modeling Carbon Flux in Aquatic Ecosystems
Research Overview
This project investigates lateral carbon transport between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It combines field data from freshwater lakes with computational modeling to improve predictions of carbon flux.
Early Research in Dr. Stuart Jones’s Lab
In my sophomore year at the University of Notre Dame, I joined Dr. Stuart Jones’s lab, working on the limnology team.
- Conducted aquatic water sampling in the lab.
- Measured nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon content in lake water.
- Developed fundamental skills in ecological monitoring and analysis.
Summer Fieldwork at UNDERC (2021)
During the summer of 2021, I worked at the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) in northern Wisconsin, a NEON (National Ecological Observatory Network) site.
- Field Sampling: Collected temperature, light, color, and carbon content data from 12+ lakes.
- Lab Analysis: Processed samples, filtered water, and analyzed carbon content.
- Long-term Monitoring: Contributed to an ongoing limnology dataset.
Impact: This immersive field experience sparked my passion for research and led me to consider graduate school.
Modeling Carbon Transport with Dr. Ceara Talbot
After the summer at UNDERC, I collaborated with Dr. Ceara Talbot (then a graduate student in the Jones lab, now at Carnegie Science Institute) to work on:
- A dual-process terrestrial-aquatic carbon transport model.
- Investigating sensitive terrestrial parameters affecting lateral carbon movement.
- Analyzing water use efficiency changes in response to drought.
- Implementing dynamic water use efficiency data into the lateral carbon transport model.
Goal: To improve predictions of carbon transport across land and water.
Presenting at AGU 2022
In December 2022, I presented this research at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference:
- Shared findings on drought-driven water use efficiency changes.
- Explored how terrestrial dynamics influence lake carbon flux.
- Engaged with experts in ecology, hydrology, and climate modeling.
Project Images
** Key Takeaways**
✔ Hands-on field and lab experience at UNDERC (NEON site).
✔ Advanced carbon cycle modeling with Dr. Ceara Talbot.
✔ Presented research at AGU 2022, engaging with top climate scientists.