One of the most beautiful things about any tropical reef is its coral. These living structures have such vibrant colors and interesting patterns.  From a scientific perspective, coral can give us a vivid picture of past climates. Danielle Glynn works to enhance scientific understanding of oceanic carbon-14 levels using coral samples.

Aquarium. Food Coloring. Plastic tubes. Plexiglass wall. Ruler. A lot of salt, and a lot of water!  With just these pieces of equipment, Rachael Tan is researching cryospheric changes that result from glacier melting. Originally envisioned by Yun Xu (Graduate Student in Earth System Science), this project involves characterizing and measuring a simulated plume of fresh water (i.e. glacier-melt) in a salt-water environment (i.e.

The samples start as leaves, soil, or other organic samples that can easily be seen. By the time they reach Mariela Ruacho’s lab bench, the samples are tiny – refined powder.  Mariela’s role in the lab is to prepare these organic samples for more the analysis of their radiocarbon (¹⁴C) content on UCI’s Accelerator Mass Spectrometer.

When you walk into the room, you’re greeted with music playing in the background. Researchers, Graduate Students, and Undergrads are working through protocols, collecting data, and making discoveries.  Some of the equipment has been custom-fabricated, while other pieces of equipment cost literally millions of dollars.  Safety gloves and goggles are standard issue, and an engaged mind is essential.  This is no run-of-the-mill time and place, this is a cutting-edge lab in the Department of Earth System Science, and these students are engaged in research. 

Are you interested in hands-on research in atmospheric chemistry?

We are seeking 2 students to work on a research project related to atmospheric chemistry.  The position will be part time, requiring about 10-20 hrs per week spread over 3-4 days.  Actual hours and days are relatively flexible.  You will have an option to sign up for either hourly work or for research credits.  For hourly work, the starting pay is $10/hr.  The ideal applicant would be a junior as we require a minimum commitment of 1 year with the possibility to extend. 

Collecting GPS and CO2 Flux Data in Aldrich Park, with Tony Soeller and Alys Thomas

Collecting GPS and CO2 Flux Data in Aldrich Park, with Tony Soeller and Alys Thomas

Collecting GPS and CO2 Flux Data in Aldrich Park, with Tony Soeller and Alys Thomas

Collecting GPS and CO2 Flux Data in Aldrich Park, with Tony Soeller and Alys Thomas

Collecting GPS and CO2 Flux Data in Aldrich Park, with Tony Soeller and Alys Thomas