Project Description

The carbon cycle controls all life on earth, yet we still lack a complete understanding of the largest reactive organic carbon pool on the planet, dissolved organic matter (DOM). Important ecosystem functions rely and depend on DOM as it controls nutrient availability, light attenuation, microbial respiration, and contaminant fate and transport in natural water bodies. Thus, the engineered water systems that rely on these natural systems are impacted by the type of DOM present.

The undergraduate researcher will assist in the collection of DOM from natural systems in the Boulder area to learn field work methods (sample collection and preparation). They will then use analytical laboratory techniques such as size-exclusion chromatography, fluorescence, and absorbance to understand optical and physical responses of varying DOM samples. The undergraduate researcher will perform a literature review to gain a solid background on DOM. Lastly, the researcher will be assisting other Rosario-Ortiz lab group members with experiments assessing the photodegradation of saxitoxin in simulated sunlight and analyzing how wildfires and rainfall affect water quality.

Special Requirement

Ideal candidates have a strong attention to detail, keep thorough notes, have a desire to learn analytical and experimental procedures. Candidates should be 2nd year or higher in class standing in environmental/civil engineering (or related major) with a minimum GPA of 3.4. Students should expect to work part-time with a mentor and part-time independently. Schedule is very flexible, allowing you (mostly) to make your own hours and work remotely when necessary.

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