Proposal Fall 2020 Student Spotlight 2
Sponsored Research Newsletter Fall 2020
Creating of a Digital Archive of Soil Properties
Abigale O’Connor, Class of 2022
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Sheldon, Geological Sciences
Describe your project: I created a digital archive of the soil properties surrounding a wetland in Livonia, NY, the basis for my honors thesis. First, I manually took soil cores from the wetland and determined the sediment size by a texture-by-feel analysis and visual observations. I digitized the cores and began systematic sieving, a more accurate way to determine sediment size. Understanding the sediment size of each soil horizon, or soil layer, indicates how water is moving through the subsurface. This is important because the Livonia wetland filters groundwater that eventually ends up in Conesus Lake.
How is your project funded? The Geneseo Foundation Undergraduate Full-Time Summer Research Fellowship.
What did you gain from working on this project? I gained a more thorough understanding of soil properties and proper sampling techniques by collaborating with soil scientists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. I applied what I had learned to my own work.
Is there anything that has surprised you? Working around COVID-19 posed many challenges. What surprised was how helpful everyone within and beyond campus has been in aiding with my research.
How has working on this project impacted your long-term plans? This project has given me experience working with soils, which will be useful when I apply to graduate schools to study soil geomorphology – the interaction between soils and geology.
What have you enjoyed the most? I have most enjoyed collaboration. I think it is essential to approach the research question from all angles by collaborating with people who bring different skill sets to the table.
What advice do you have for other students who may be interested in working on a research project? I cannot recommend it enough. I have learned many technical skills during my research projects at Geneseo, but have also learned important soft skills. Working on a research project is very rewarding, and it is a great way to learn more from the faculty.