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Sophomore Gabriella Engelhart (York, Pa.) conducted aquatics research and collaborated with distinguished scientists from around the world last semester at Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass.
A chemical engineering major, Engelhart participated in the Semester in Environmental Science program, sponsored by The Ecosystems Center, a branch of the Marine Biological Laboratory. The program is designed to immerse students in hands-on ecological science. Participants investigate forests, ponds, and estuaries on Cape Cod and undertake independent research projects at local sites.
“It was a great experience,” says Engelhart. “The program was first-rate. We had the opportunity to conduct a great deal of hands-on research and worked and talked with distinguished scientists from around the world.”
For the first 11 weeks of the program, Engelhart and 18 classmates studied aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with some of the world’s experts. They attended lectures on topics like biogeochemistry, ecosystems modeling, and global change; participated in a writing workshop taught by professional science journalists; and learned from prominent scientists at seminars. Their time at The Ecosystems Center culminated in five weeks of intensive research.
“We were in class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and homework was assigned,” says Engelhart. “My rigorous courses at Lafayette definitely prepared me for the challenging curriculum and independent research project.”
Engelhart studied methods of removing nitrogen from water for her independent study and presented her findings to the Woods Hole scientific community last month.
A campus tour guide, Engelhart is a member of Society of Women Engineers and American Institute of Chemical Engineers. She hosts prospective Lafayette students and participates in club field hockey.