Mary Gates Research Scholar, Winter 2025

Research Project: How Do Rivers Respond to a Changing Climate? Insights From Paleocene-Eocene River Deposits of Wyoming
Project Description: I am using novel methods of three-dimensional (3D) analysis to investigate how ancient rivers responded to previous periods of global warming. My results show how we can refine interpretation of the rock record using accessible 3D workflows, while helping understand river behavior in a changing climate.
What have you learned throughout your research project?
Time-management and the ability to navigate a large workload are some of the most important things I have became familiar with as I work on my own research project. I have also learned lots about coding and river morphology, while being able to participate in exciting fieldwork to collect more data.
What piece of advice do you have for future applicants?
Finding a group of peers who are also engaged in research projects of their own is essential in establishing a supportive community that keeps you on track, prevents you from feeling overwhelmed, and creates bonds that will last!