Interns Booklet 2013

8/12/2019 Interns Booklet 2013

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The pages of this report were printed on carbon-neut ral, 100% recycled FSC-certied paper. TheForest Stewardship Council (FSC) certication g uarantees that trees used to produce this paper were

procured from responsibly managed forests. All copies were printed on a Xerox iGen 4 digital color

production press. The Xerox iGen 4 is ecofriendly; up to 97% of the machines components are recyclable

or remanufacturable.


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In the summer of 2013,72 Princeton undergraduates afliated with the

Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI) held environmental assignments including positionswith faculty-led research projects and as interns with NGOS, government, industry, andacademic enterprises around the globe.

From their collective backgrounds in 22 academic disciplines, the 2013 summer interns

addressed scientic, technical, policy, and human dimensions of global environmentalproblems. Students benetted from strong ties to the Grand Challenges Program anintegrated research and teaching program designed to address critical global environmental

issues for the 21st century. Students explored a broad range of topics including: changingclimate and its environmental impacts, dynamics of the ocean and atmosphere, carbon

emissions and the terrestrial biosphere, land use and biodiversity, energy technology

innovation, environmental policy, ecosystem health and sustainability, and environmental

education and outreach.

Students travelled to internship destinations in 12 foreign countries, 5 American states and

the District of Columbia. Forty-nine (49) students held positions with faculty-led researchprojects. Several students work contributed to the development of new technologies andmodels. Others published journal articles and, in many instances, student summer experiences

are serving as the foundation for continuing research and academic study.

This booklet provides an overview of each students assignment as experienced through

the 2013 internship program. The diversity of students backgrounds, talents, interests, and

contributions is evident in the summary descriptions of their projects and experiences.

For more information, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected].


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Pranav Badami 15 .....................29

Vincent Bai 14 ............................30

Emily Bobrick 15 ........................62

Ethan Campbell 16 ...................31

Alison Campion 16 ..................... 6

Ismael Catovic 15 ......................32

Brian Chang 16 ..........................33

Elliot Chang 16 ...........................34

Michael S. Chang 16 .................. 7

Tiffany Cheung 15 ......................8

Jonathan Choi 15 ......................63

Marius Constantin 14 ..............35

Allanna Daniels 16 ...................... 9

Jacob Eisenberg 16 ..................36

Chantelle Ekanem 16 ..............37

Bruna Favetta 15 .......................10Elizabeth Gatto 16 .................... 11

Manali Gokhale 16....................64

Christopher Gordon 15...........38

Ray Grossman 15 ......................65

Sarthak Gupta 14 ......................39

Katrina Hall 14 ............................ 12

Eliza Harkins 14..........................66

Rebecca Haynes 15 ..................13

David Hoyos 16 .........................14

Chamsi Hssaine 16 ...................2 8

Tzu-Yung Huang 15 ..................40

Ani Ivanova 14 ...........................15

Peter Johnsen 15 ...................... 41

Kelsey Kane-Ritsch 16 .............67

Emily Kaplan 14 .........................16

Indira Kissoondyal 16 ..............17

Amanda Li 16, ............................28

Kathryn Little 16 .......................18

Rebecca Lowy 16 ......................19

Jordan Lubkeman 16 ...............42

Aidan MacDonagh 14 .............43

Nihar Madhavan 15 ..................20

Nihar Madhavan 15 ..................28

Nina Masters 14 .........................44

Eric Materniak 14 ......................45

Ryan McNellis 15 .......................46

Marina Nogueira 16 .................47Sindiso Nyathi 16 ......................48

Caden Ohlwiler 15 ....................28

Caden Ohlwiler 15 ....................49

Olamide Oladosu 15 ................50

Imani Oliver 14...........................68

Andres Parrado 15 ....................28

Elizabeth Paul 15 .......................51

Zhaonan Qu 15 ..........................52

Gabrielle Ragazzo 15 ...............69

Kevin Ross 14 ..............................53

Kasturi Shah 16 ..........................28

Jordan Shivers 16......................54

Delphine Slotten 15 .................70

Katherine Smith 15...................71

Bethany Sneathen 16 ..............55

Nicholas Szamreta 14 ..............56

Aleksandra Szczuka 14 ...........21

Ian Tamargo 14 ..........................57

Tyler Tamasi 15 ..........................58

Benjamin Tien 15 ......................28

Elizabeth Tolman 15 ................59

Amy Tourgee 14 ........................22

Sean Treacy 16 ...........................60

Regina Wang 14 ........................23

Megan Wellons 15 ....................24

Michael Wiest 15 .......................25

Claire Zarakas 16 .......................61Nicole Zenes 15 .........................26

Jennifer Zhou 16 .......................27

INDEX OF ALL INTERNS ALPHABETICALLY


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INDEX OF PROJECTS BY CATEGORY

Sustainability

Alison Campion 16 .....................6

Michael S. Chang 16 .................. 7

Tiffany Cheung 15 ......................8

Allanna Daniels 16 ......................9

Bruna Favetta 15 .......................10

Elizabeth Gatto 16 .................... 11

Katrina Hall 14 ............................12

Rebecca Haynes 15 .................. 13David Hoyos 16 ......................... 14

Chamsi Hssaine 16 ...................28

Ani Ivanova 14 ...........................15

Emily Kaplan 14 .........................16

Indira Kissoondyal 16 ..............17

Amanda Li 16, ............................28Kathryn Little 16 .......................18

Rebecca Lowy 16 ......................19

Nihar Madhavan 15 ..................20

Nihar Madhavan 15 ..................28

Caden Ohlwiler 15 ....................28

Andres Parrado 15 ....................28

Kasturi Shah 16 ..........................28

Aleksandra Szczuka 14 ...........21

Benjamin Tien 15 ......................28

Amy Tourgee 14 ........................22

Regina Wang 14 ........................23

Megan Wellons 15 ....................24

Michael Wiest 15 .......................25

Nicole Zenes 15 .........................26

Jennifer Zhou 16 .......................27

Climate & Energy

Pranav Badami 15 .....................29

Vincent Bai 14 ............................30

Ethan Campbell 16 ...................31

Ismael Catovic 2015 .................32

Brian Chang 16 ..........................33

Elliot Chang 16 ...........................34

Marius Constantin 14 ..............35

Jacob Eisenberg 16 ..................36

Chantelle Ekanem 16 ..............37

Christopher K Gordon 15 .......38Sarthak Gupta 14 ......................39

Tzu-Yung Huang 15 ..................40

Peter Johnsen 15 ......................41

Jordan Lubkeman 16 ...............42

Aidan MacDonagh 14 .............43

Nina Masters 14 .........................44Eric Materniak 14 ......................45

Ryan McNellis 15 .......................46

Marina Nogueira 16 .................47

Sindiso Nyathi 16 ......................48

Caden Ohlwiler 15 ....................49

Olamide Oladosu 15 ................50

Elizabeth Paul 15 .......................51

Zhaonan Qu 15 ..........................52

Kevin Ross 14..............................53

Jordan Shivers 16......................54

Bethany Sneathen 16 ..............55

Nicholas Szamreta 14 ..............56

Ian Tamargo 14 ..........................57

Tyler Tamasi 15 ..........................58

Elizabeth Tolman 15 ................59

Sean Treacy 16 ...........................60

Claire Zarakas 16 .......................61

Development

Emily Bobrick 15 ........................62

Jonathan Choi 15 ......................63Manali Gokhale 16....................64

Ray Grossman 15 ......................65

Eliza Harkins 14..........................66

Kelsey Kane-Ritsch 16 .............67

Imani Oliver 14...........................68

Gabrielle Ragazzo 15 ...............69Delphine Slotten 15 .................70

Katherine Smith 15...................71


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6 2013 Environmental Research Experiences

SUSTA

INABILITY Alison Campion 16

Geosciences

Project:

Maloof Earth History Group

Organization/Location:

Maloof Earth History Group, PrincetonUniversity, Australia

Adviser(s):

Adam Maloof, Associate Professor,Geosciences

I spent the summer assisting a geoscience graduate student collect rock samples in thePilbara Craton of Western Australia. The samples we collected formed 2.7 bil lion years ago

and contain magnetic minerals that recorded the orientation of Earths magnetic eld atthe time of formation, which can be correlated with the latitude at which the rock formed.Using this technique, we will be able to model how the Australian continental plate wasmoving during the Archaean, a time period in which scientists are unsure how a warmer

mantle would inuence plate movement. I was not only able to spend my summer hiking

and camping in beautiful Western Australia, but I was also able to work closely with professorsand graduate students, which was an incredible experience. I learned how to conduct

geological eld research, how to interpret detailed observations to better understand thenatural world, how to read geological maps, and how to overcome unexpected challengesin the eld all of which will be invaluable when it comes time for me to conduct my ownresearch in the geosciences department for my junior papers and senior thesis.

Sustainability


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72013 Environmental Research Experiences

SUSTAINA

BILITY

The molecular biology lab team with which I interned this summer focused on using seaurchins as a model for anti-aging and cancer research. Sea urchins have an incredible

range of natural life spans (including extreme longevity and negligible senescence) andhave shown very few instances of cancer in comparison to other marine organisms. Myindependent work investigated the DNA integrity of sea urchin larvae and their capacity

to repair DNA damage after exposure to two commonly used genotoxicants, UV-C radiationand hydrogen peroxide. My project t within a larger effort to measure the extent to whichdifferent types of sea urchin cells and tissues could reduce DNA damageand to isolate

the genes responsible for this repair. Ultimately, this information will increase our understanding

of genetic repair pathways, which is important in the eld of cancer research. Through thisexperience, I learned how to use quantitative assays, microplate readers, qPCR, epiuorescentmicroscopy, and uorescence in-situ hybridization. I loved researching and working withfull-time scientists in the lab this summer, and I cannot wait to explore more research

opportunities later at Princeton.

Michael S. Chang 16Molecular Biology

Project:

Sea Urchin Research


Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS),Bermuda

Adviser(s):Dr. Andrea Bodnar, Bermuda Institute ofOcean Sciences; Dr. Helena Reinardy,Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences


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SUSTAINABILITY Tiffany Cheung 15

Geosciences

Project:

Ocean Acidication and Photosynthesis


Morel Lab, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Franois Morel, Albert G. Blanke, Jr., Professorof Geosciences

The goal of my summer project in the Morel Lab was to address and understand the role ofocean acidication on the photosynthetic pathways of phytoplankton. As this is my second

year working on this project, I chose to narrow my research focus on Rubisco, a crucialenzyme in carbon xation. Using the model organism Thalassiosira weissogii, a tropicaldiatom, I examined the effects of increasing temperature, light intensity, and diel cycling

on Rubisco in this diatom. In addition to performing laboratory studies, I also embarked ona week-long eld excursion with the Sigman Lab at Sargasso Sea, aiding other researchersin eld sample collections for future studies. My PEI internship, supported by the Smith-Newton

Undergraduate Research Funds, allowed me to rene my laboratory skills, collaborate with

other researchers, and develop my own project interests for my junior paper. My geosciencesjunior paper will examine the role and physiology (carbon xation rates, CO2/O2 selectivity)of Rubisco in the model diatom Thalassiosira weissogii in response to increasing temperature.


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SUSTAINA

BILITY

This summer, I worked as a research intern with Professor Alessandro Catenazzi to study theimpact and prevalence of the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytritium dendrobatidis, on amphibian

species on the eastern slope of the Andes in Peru. We studied amphibians at three differentbiological stations, each at different levels of elevation, to determine if the survival rates ofspecic species correlated to changes in elevation and/or temperature. We collected over1,000 samples from mountain roads and hiking trails to determine prevalence and ran PCR(polymerase chain reaction) tests to study the fungus. I swabbed frogs for the fungus,performed dissections, and at one station assisted a graduate student with his project to

determine which species of frog, if any, was a possible carrier of the disease. As a side

project, I also collected soil samples to study pH and moisture levels of previously sampledleaf litter plots. I now have a better understanding and command of DNA extraction

techniques and sample collection in the eld. I also semi-conquered my fear of spiders afterworking in the eld. After this internship, I am certain that I would like to do my independentwork mostly in a lab.

Allanna Daniels 16Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Project:

Conservation of Montane Frogs


Asociacin para la Conservacin de laCuenca Amaznica, Peru

Adviser(s):Alessandro Catenazzi, Southern Il linois

University


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SUSTAINABILITY Bruna Favetta 15

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Project:

Whale Migration: Where, When and Why


Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (AOS),Princeton University, Princeton, NJ andSweden

Adviser(s):

James Watson, Postdoctoral ResearchAssociate, Atmospheric and OceanicSciences

The goal of this research project was to further our understanding of baleen whale migration.There are a variety of locations where whales have been spotted feeding and calving but

it is not yet well dened why these whales go where they go. To help improve our understandingof the factors involved, the team constructed a model that synthesized these possible factorsand predicted regions where whales could feed and calve. I began the development of

such model in the python language, a process that also required an extensive literaturesearch. While the rst version of the model was very rough and used various simplications,the model evolved with the use of more sophisticated modeling software. Seeing the end

product of the internship, a map that describes critical feeding and calving zones for baleen

whales, allowed me to experience and appreciate the more computer-oriented part oflab work in biology. I discovered that I really enjoy the overlap between biology and computerscience (computational modeling) and learning how powerful and relevant these modelsare (the same model can be used to help predict whether climate change will put whales

under even more migratory stress). This experience has inuenced the sort of career Ill be

looking for after Princeton.


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SUSTAINA

BILITY

As an intern with the Economic Policy team at EDF, I worked on projects related to the socialcost of carbon, cap and trade, and climate effects of natural gas. In particular, I researched

and analyzed monetary damage functions on sea level rise, ocean acidication, andfreshwater resources, which estimate future losses in these sectors as a result of climatechange. I composed a memo on gasoline price elasticity and cost pass-through rates in

the United States with respect to the cap and trade program instated by the CaliforniaGlobal Warming Solutions Act. I also located data on methane leakage and upstreamcarbon dioxide emissions for compressed and liqueed natural gas systems. Through this

internship, I gained valuable insights into the importance of public policy and economics

in environmental efforts. My rewarding experience at EDF reinforced my aspirations to pursuea career in environmental services.

Elizabeth Gatto 16Woodrow Wilson School

Project:

Economic Policy in Environmental Markets


Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), New York,NY

Adviser(s):Jonathan Camuzeaux, Environmental

Defense Fund


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SUSTAINABILITY Katrina Hall 14

Woodrow Wilson School

Project:

Potential Fisheries Responses to MississippiRiver Delta Restoration


Environmental Defense Fund (EDF),Washington, DC

Adviser(s):

Brian Jackson, Environmental Defense Fund

Facing severe coastal erosion, the state of Louisiana has developed a plan to create sedimentdiversions to nourish and rebuild the coastline. As an intern with EDF this summer, I studied

how such diversions in the Mississippi River Delta area might impact the aquatic speciesthat are most central to Louisianas recreational and commercial sheries. Working primari lywith data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, I ranked

species by value and weight caught. I created timelines and life history summaries forspecies, focusing on how salinity and temperature preferences shifted throughout theseasons. I analyzed Louisiana catch data during and following Mississippi ood years to seeif the inux of freshwater had any discernible effects, looking at monthly, yearly, and regional

data. I presented my ndings to a group of people afliated with Mississippi River Deltarestoration. This internship improved my graphics, data analysis, and self study skills, andconrmed my interest in sheries, which I hope to research for my senior thesis.


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SUSTAINA

BILITY

I spent the summer of 2013 on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. The dense, biologicallydiverse rainforest where I lived was the perfect place to study the conservation of jaguars,

pumas, and ocelots, whose populations have decreased in size and range due to poachingand destruction of habitat. I investigated this problem by studying both the forest and the

people living around it. I set up motion-sensored camera traps to take photos of animals inthe area, estimating the community composition of the forest, and comparing the datacollected on my cameras to the data of another researcher. I also interviewed local CostaRicans, with a focus on farmers, to see how they felt about the presence of wild cats near

their farms and homes. Understanding problems and attitudes surrounding human-wildlife

conict is central to the conservation of endangered species in the area. Immersed in anew ecosystem, I gained invaluable experience conducting scientic research and learningabout social problems of conservation rst-hand. I wil l spend this year analyzing my data

and writing up results. I may continue similar work next summer for my senior thesis, hopingto continue on the path to a career in ecological conservation.

Rebecca Haynes 15Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Project:

The Conservation of Costa Ricas Felines: aStudy of the Ecosystem and the People

Organization/Location:Osa Conservation, Costa Rica

Adviser(s):Andrew Dobson, Professor of Ecology and

Evolutionary Biology; Peter Molnar,Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecologyand Evolutionary Biology


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SUSTAINABILITY David Hoyos 16

Undeclared

Project:

Agricultural Nitrogen Pollution and Export inthe Agricultural Mississippi Delta


University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS

Adviser(s):

Lars Hedin, Professor of Ecology and

Evolutionary Biology and the PrincetonEnvironmental Institute

Growth in the anoxic (lack of oxygen) dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is attributing tonitrogen fertilizer runoff from farms into the Mississippi River, ultimately killing marine animals.

In order to understand how the environment is reacting to the increasing levels of nitrogenattributed to agriculture, another Princeton student and I examined the roles that denitrifyingmicrobes had in reducing increasing ambient nitrogen levels. We collected soil and watersamples from the Mississippi Delta region in order to: analyze soil/water carbon, nitrogen,

and phosphorus concentrations; perform isotope analysis on the samples; search for

denitrifying gene presence in the microbial communities; and quantify denitr ication rates.I assisted in organizing a sampling/laboratory plan in order to collect and analyze the

samples. This internship was unforgettable! It helped me to begin to unravel the fabric ofenvironmental nutrient cyclingand what humans are doing to change it. This internship

heightened my interest in pursuing a Certicate in Environmental Studies.


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SUSTAINABILITY

This summer I interned at the architectural rm EFGH, hoping to familiarize myself with the

implementation of environmental thought at each step of the architectural design process.

I started by learning how to use essential software (Autodesk@Ecotect@Analysis, Grasshopper,and Kangaroo) that facilitates the environmental design process. In the meantime, our teamwas selected along with two other teams (out of 126 applicants) to develop a design proposal

for the renovation of the Van Alen Institute (VAI) headquarters. We had to propose a designthat is LEED@certied and that promotes and fosters dialogue on sustainability. I was involvedin the research part of this project (precedents, detailed study of LEED@Gold certication

requirements, material use), and in the design process; I focused on the development of

proposals for a parklet/street seat maintained by VAI. Being involved in the developmentof a project that aims to further the sustainability discourse in the architecture/urbanismeld reconrmed my desire to be an urban designer and to foster environmental awareness.My advisers strengthened my conviction that environmental awareness is best achieved if

practitioners are actively engaged in academia as well; I hope that in my future professionalcareer I will be involved in both.

Ani Ivanova 14Architecture

Project:

Sustainable Design Principles: Tectonic Detailto the Urban Environment

Organization/Location:EFGH Design Studio, New York, NY

Adviser(s):Hayley Eber, Visiting Lecturer in Architecture;

Frank Gesualdi, Columbia GSAPP and ThePratt Institute


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SUST

AINABILITY Emily Kaplan 14

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Project:

Terrestrial Conservation in Samos:Investigating the Golden Jackal


Archipelagos Institute of MarineConservation, Greece

Adviser(s):

Anastasia Miliou, Archipelagos Institute ofMarine Conservation

As an intern with Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, I studied the population

and behavior of Canis aureus, the golden jackal, on Samos Island, Greececurrently the

only island in the Mediterranean with jackals. This summer I helped Archipelagos gatherdata about the species so that they can better protect them as well as create educational

material to teach locals about them. My experiments included acoustic surveys of the islandfor the purpose of acquiring data on the population and distr ibution of jackals. Additionally,I analyzed several past acoustic surveys to look for trends in the population. I also designedand executed an experiment using camera traps to study the behavior and diet of these

scavenging animals. This internship allowed me to assist in other research of the organization

as well, ranging from water quality analyses to censuses of marine life, so I gained experiencein many different conservation projects over the course of the summer. I also hope to use

my research at Archipelagos for my senior thesis.


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SUSTAINABILITY

The pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytritium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused a massivedecline in semi-aquatic frog populations throughout the eastern Andes for the past two

decades. The main goal of this conservation project was to study and monitor the growthof this disease at differing elevations (2900, 1400, and 600 meters). We did so by testing overone thousand individual frogs, belonging to around 130 species, within a two-month period.To accomplish this, as a team of seven, we went out on daily night transects, searching forfrogs along the side of a main road in addition to side trails. A central objective of the projectwas to identify a reservoir for the disease, in order to hypothesize techniques to eradicate

Bd. Another main subject that my internship addressed was the level of alkaloids in a particular

poison dart frog species; these alkaloids target specic receptors in the body, making it apotential cure for certain types of cancer. This internship helped me see the practicality ofeld research in real world applications, and increased my desire to become a research

pharmacist.

Indira Kissoondyal 16Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Project:

Conservation of Montane Frogs from theAmazon to the Andes

Organization/Location:Amazon Conservation Association, Peru

Adviser(s):Alessandro Catenazzi, Southern Il linois

University


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SUST

AINABILITY Kathryn Little 16

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Project:The Food Project Analysis of Dining ServicesPurchases and Food Miles Carbon Project


Princeton University Dining Services, Princeton,NJ

Adviser(s):

Stu Orece, Executive Director, DiningServices; Sarah Bavuso, Special EventsManager, Dining Services

During my summer internship with Princeton University Dining Services, my main responsibilitywas to produce an analysis/metric of the food products purchased by the university over

the past scal year. This food metric sorts the food items into categories based on sustainabilityfactors such as local foods, organic foods, and social responsibility on the part of thecompanies. In addition to updating the old data to reect this years purchases, I also addedmany previously uncategorized items, broadening the metrics scope and thereby improving

its accuracy. Because this internship recurs each summer, the food metric I produced canbe compared to past and future metrics as a means of monitoring the Universitys progresson its sustainable dining initiatives. I also had the opportunity to help categorize dining hall

recipes according to carbon footprint. In the process, I became familiar with trends betweenfood type, preparation methods, and overall environmental impact. It was fascinating tosee how a large institution obtains its food, and I now have a much more informed perspectiveon my own food choices. I am now more certain of my decision to continue studying

sustainability in some form.


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SUSTAINABILITY

This summer I conducted research on the effect of deforestation on precipitation in CentralAmerica. While several previous studies have analyzed the precipitation over long spans of

time in the area, few include the recent decade. I accessed satellite data from NASA thatmeasured rainfall in the Central American region, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

(TRMM), from 2001-2011. The analysis we conducted looked at Central America as a whole,as well as three distinct areas with different degrees of deforestation. I wrote code on MatLabto both access and analyze the data, which was a completely new experience for me as

I have never written code before. I learned a great deal about tropical rainforests and theirrole in regional climates, and about how to use MatLab. The experience gave me an

appreciation for the expanse of available data on the web and valuable skills in dataanalysis. My interest in the environment was reinforced, and I hope to use my new skill set inmy future academic studies, which almost certainly will include geosciences.

Rebecca Lowy 16Undeclared

Project:

Impact of Deforestation in Central Americaon Regional Precipitation Patterns

Organization/Location:Medvigy Lab, Atmospheric and OceanicSciences (AOS), Princeton University,Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):David Medvigy, Assistant Professor ofGeosciences


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SUST

AINABILITY Nihar Madhavan 15

Computer Science

Project:Geodynamics Research in Australia


Australian National University (ANU), Australia

Adviser(s):

Paul Tregoning, Australian National University

My work this summer was with the Geodynamics Research Group of the Research School

of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University. Geodynamics, an offshoot of geophysics,

studies changes in the earth and geologic phenomena. My project related to levels of icein the polar regions; my focus was on altitude data from IceSAT, a project run by NASA to

measure ice levels in the polar regions. Unfortunately, the satellite taking data was very

slightly imprecise; if it was supposed to measure the same area twice over a period of time,the measurements would be slightly off (up to a few hundred meters). This could result in

huge mistakes if one directly compared data from different times. The group I worked withwas developing a new method to reconcile this data; I worked toward implementing this

into a tool that could be generalized and used by others around the world. Although mytool was not completed, I made signicant headway, so I truly feel that I contributed to theproject. I was also immersed in the research process, and had a direct look into how a

research project operates. Although doing this type of work may not be in my future, I foundthis to be a very valuable experience.


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SUSTAINABILITY

The overall goal of my project in the Morel lab was to explore the accumulation of mercuryas methylmercury in the environment. Alongside research scholar Jeffra Schaefer, I compared

the rates of mercury uptake in the mercury methylating bacterium Geobacter and thenon-mercury methylating bacterium Shewanella. This was done by comparing the amountof Mercury taken up in the presence of different thiols and various metals. While my work

this summer does not necessarily point to the purpose of methylmercury formation, I was

able to learn new laboratory techniques that included growing cells under anaerobicconditions, harvesting cells, and washing cells. Through this experience I gained insight intothe ups and downs of experimental work and learned to adjust accordingly. I enjoyed my

summer experience in the laboratory, and I plan on continuing and building on my projectthrough the course of my senior year. My summer experience has inuenced my decisionto attend graduate school and pursue an environment-related degree.

Aleksandra Szczuka 14Chemical Engineering

Project:

Mercury Uptake in the Shewanella Oneidensis


Morel Lab, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Franois Morel, Professor Albert G. Blanke, Jr.,Professor of Geosciences; Jeffra Schaefer,

Research Scholar, Geosciences


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SUST

AINABILITY Amy Tourgee 14


Project:Role of Fire in Nutrient Cycling in Brazil andthe Pine Barrens


Hedin Lab, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Adam Pellegrini, Ph.D. candidate, Ecology

and Evolutionary Biology

This past summer I had the wonderful opportunity to work in the Hedin Lab at Princetonstudying the role of re in nutrient limitation. For one project, I worked on a meta-analysis

to determine whether there was a difference in composition of nitrogen-xing woody speciesalong the forest-savanna gradient in neo-tropical areas of Brazil and Africa. Because savannas

in these areas experience a much higher re occurrence than forests, the goal of the meta-analysis was to determine whether re might be a driver of this composition difference.Another project also involved studying the interaction between re and nutrient cycling,

but in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. I was able to design an experiment and conduct eldwork

in areas of the Pinelands that had drastically different re regimes and soil fertility. Working

in the Hedin lab was always fascinating because we were trying to answer a question thathad never really been explored before. Overall, the internship was a transformative experienceas I learned about the rigors of research, and subsequently grew tremendously as a scientist.Im continuing work on the meta-analysis for my thesis, and I look forward to sharing thenal results of the analysis later in the year.


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SUSTAINABILITY

This summer I worked at Archipelagos Marine Institute to collect and lter sediment and shsamples that I hope to analyze for microplastic contamination back at Princeton as part of

my senior thesis. Throughout the summer, I snorkeled to collect sediment samples, dissectedsh for stomach contents, and mixed both in saturated salt solutions that I then ltered andshipped back to Princeton. I also participated in underwater visual census surveys to trackinvertebrate populations and prepared entries for a wildlife library on the habitat and behaviorof common species found in the region. Throughout the internship, I gained rst-handexperience working in a nonprot conservation organization overseas. I also gained practical

skil ls through conducting eld work and designing my own project; and I collected potentially

useful data for my senior thesis.

Regina Wang 14Geosciences

Project:

Testing for Microplastic Contamination in theEastern Aegean Sea

Organization/Location:Archipelagos Marine Institute, Greece

Adviser(s):Anastasia Miliou, Archipelagos Institute of

Marine Conservation


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SUST

AINABILITY Megan Wellons 15

Operations Research and FinancialEngineering

Project:

Native Plant Propagation OptimizationResearch

Organization/Location:American Native Nursery, Pennsylvania

Adviser(s):

Mark Brownlee, American Native Nursery

The goal of my internship with American Native Nursery was to research native plantpropagation methods and to develop an Excel model that nurseries can use to run experiments

to maximize their yield. For the model we used the Taguchi method. In traditional models,all combinations of levels (amount or type) of all factors (e.g. fertilizer, soil drainage) need

to be tested to calculate results. The Taguchi method allows you to determine the optimal

level of several factors and their relative signicance with a much smaller number ofexperiments. In order to develop a good model I spent several weeks researching propagation

methods. I then determined which factors should be tested and began building the modelsin Excel. Once my models were completed, I spent the nal weeks of my internship tweaking

the models user interface and writing users manuals so the models could be used andunderstood by laymen. Through this internship I gained a lot of experience in running my

own long-term technical project and creating a mathematical model that is easy to use

and understand. This internship has conrmed my desire to use mathematical modelsbothin my academic study and in life beyond Princeton in order improve processes that are

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My research this past summer focused on analyzing microplastic concentrations in AegeanSea sediment and in Aegean sea cucumbers. Microplastics are a growing threat not only

to international waters but also to the health of marine life and humans; they endure for anextremely long time and accumulate organic toxins which can be transmitted into thetrophic chain. My main project consisted of sampling sediment in the sea along the shore,at depths of 3 meters and 6 meters, and nding sea cucumbers and collecting their excrement.I then compared the microplastic concentration of the excrement to that of the surroundingsediment. I altered the methodology for sampling sediment and sea cucumbers to make

the data more comparable on a per mass basis. I also prompted the research to analyze

organic toxin concentrations in the collected microplastic samples. I gained many skillsrelated to collecting samples and the proper ways of storing and organizing them. I also

became very procient at analyzing microscope slides for microplastics. This research has

reafrmed my love of marine biology and it makes me want to introduce it into my major.

Michael Wiest 15Chemical and Biological Engineering

Project:

Microplastics in the Aegean Sea


Archipelagos Institute of MarineConservation, Greece

Adviser(s):Anastasia Miliou, Archipelagos Institute of

Marine Conservation


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SUSTAINABILITY Nicole Zenes 15


Project:Impacts of Natural Gas Pipeline Constructionin the Delaware River Watershed


Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN), PikeCounty, PA and Sussex County, NJ

Adviser(s):

Joseph Zenes, Delaware Riverkeeper Network

This summer I worked with the DRN monitoring the construction of a natural gas pipeline byTennessee Gas Company (TGP). My father works as an environmental scientist for DRN and

I joined his project of monitoring the work done by TGP, making sure they followed properenvironmental regulations. Almost daily visits were required to different locations on the

pipeline; we mainly focused on sites along a 12-mile section. We documented violationswhen they were discovered. I was required to write ofcial reports to the Federal EnergyRegulatory Commission or Pennsylvanias Department of Environmental Protection that

described my ndings. This internship also offered opportunities to network and attend largerconferences. I gave a presentation at the National Conservation Training Center in West

Virginia detailing the work I had done over the summer. I also helped to develop a programto train local volunteers as watchdogs to help monitor pipelines being constructed elsewhere.

While this was an extremely rewarding experience, I realized that I want to focus more on

marine biology and research as a career instead of public outreach and environmentalism.


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As the summer intern for the Climate and Energy Policy team at the NRDC Beijing ofce,

my primary project was NRDCs Climate and Energy Map. The Map was designed as an

innovative and interactive platform with which the public could access and better understandChinas energy portfolio and climate data. My role in the project was primarily updating

the data for all the maps and graphs for 2011. I was also part of the pioneering team that

would collect and analyze energy data to create Chinas rst energy ow chart for 2011. I

was required at times to help with translation and editing of scientic reports as well as

presentations for the climate team. Through this internship, I learned about and contributedto the true fundamental importance of data transparency, accessibility, and agglomeration,all issues that the Chinese government struggles with. Although I am just a freshman, mywork with the Climate and Energy Map allowed me to gain a deeper understanding ofenergy consumption, production, and renewable source potential, which has really stimulatedme to think about the possibility of an Environmental Studies Certicate. This internship

certainly strengthened my data analysis and innovative thinking skil ls.

Jennifer Zhou 16Woodrow Wilson School

Project:

Energy Analysis and Advocacy in China


National Resources Defense Council (NRDC),China

Adviser(s):Alvin Lin, National Resources Defense Council


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SUSTAINABILITY Engineers Without Borders

Potable Water for la Pitajaya, Peru

Chamsi Hssaine 16Amanda Li 16Nihar Madhavan 15Caden Ohlwiler 15Andres Parrado 15Kasturi Shah 16Benjamin Tien 15

Adviser(s):

Professor Peter Jaffe, Professor of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering

This summer our team travelled to Peru for six weeks to build a potable water system in thecommunity of La Pitajaya, which has no access to drinking water. We aimed to complete

the water system for the part of the community at a higher altitude (La Pitajaya Alta), tocollect data in the lower part of the community (La Pitajaya Baja) which wil l inform ourtechnical designs for the Baja water system to be built in summer 2014, and to introduce oureducational project of 13 environmental lesson plans in the local school of Samne. Three

kilometres of trenched pipeline, one pressure break, several tapstands, hundreds of data

points, and multiple school visits later, we are happy to say that we completed the objectivesfor this trip Potable water is now owing in la Pitajaya Alta! Facing the problems that inevitably

arise with completing a developmental project and being abroad, developed ourindependence and greatly honed our problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and

adaptability. Now more than ever before we can appreciate how truly privileged we are.

This project has inspired some of our team members to work in international development

and humanitarian engineering, for organizations like the Peace Corps and Doctors WithoutBorders.

Woodrow Wilson SchoolUndecidedComputer Science

Mechanical EngineeringEast Asian StudiesUndecided

Chemical and BiologicalEngineering

Climate & Energy


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Quantum cascade detectors (QCDs) can be used to detect the presence of certain gasesin the atmosphere. As a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) intern at Mid-Infrared

Technologies for Health and Environment (MIRTHE), I worked towards designing a commercially-viable QCD system for the detection low-wavelength light which is absorbed by potentgreenhouse gases like methane. Similar QCD systems have been developed in the pastusing slow growth methods; our system was grown using Metalorganic Chemical Vapor

Deposition (MOCVD) which is fast and industrially viable. In order to detect low-wavelengthlight, we opted to build a Gallium Nitride (GaN) system which has a high conduction bandoffset. Much of the internship was focused on hands-on cleanroom processing, where we

fabricated GaN QCDs. After device processing was complete, we moved toward testing

and characterization of the QCD. I acquired skills in photolithography, etching, and data

analysis techniques; I also learned how to take measurements to determine if a QCD isfunctioning. I was able to present my initial data at the MIRTHE Summer Workshop. I learneda lot over the summer and gained new skills; I am considering exploring the eld furtheronce I look into other concentrations within the Electrical Engineering department.

Pranav Badami 15Electrical Engineering

Project:QCD System Design


Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health andEnvironment (MIRTHE), Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Claire Gmachl, Eugene Higgins Professor of

Electrical Engineering

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Vincent Bai 14Chemical and Biological Engineering

Project:Developing Energy Solutions Through

Lightening Energy


Lightening Energy, Dover, NJ

Adviser(s):

Michael Epstein, Lightening Energy

The overall goal of my summer internship was to contribute to the ongoing research/development and operations at Lightening Energy. Lightening Energy is a small energy

company that is working towards developing energy solutions for the future, especially withregards to transportation and grid storage. I engaged in a variety of activities over thecourse of the internship. For one ARPA-E grant proposal, I worked on a heat transfer analysisto demonstrate the feasibility of the solid-state lithium ion battery that was proposed. I alsoperformed market research for several different projects and grant proposals that were

ongoing during my time at Lightening Energy. I learned much about the dynamics of aworkplace and how to interact with co-workers. My internship showed me the benets of

working at a small company and has inuenced me to try to nd a job at an energy startup.It also helped me to narrow down my thesis topic; I will be performing research on the

assembly of supercapacitors.

Eth C b ll 16


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Ethan Campbell 16Geosciences

Project:Argo Floats


Sarmiento Research Group, Atmospheric andOceanic Sciences (AOS), Princeton University,Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Joseph Majkut, Ph.D. candidate, Atmosphericand Oceanic Sciences

I worked with AOS graduate student Joe Majkut in Professor Jorge Sarmientos group this

summer. My goal was to answer the following question: How accurately can one reconstruct

real-world ocean biogeochemical elds by inverting the sparse and noisy data from the3600 Argo proling oats scattered within the worlds oceans? I investigated this uncertaintyby simulating Argo measurements at the positions of actual oats using output from a high-resolution climate model, then reconstructing the model elds via a simple interpolationscheme. Comparing the original and reconstructed elds produced estimates of reconstructionerror across different ocean basins; correlating that reconstruction error with metrics such

as density of oats and type of oat enabled further inference. Overall, the results afrmthe Argo arrays ability to capture large-scale elds where oats are present. This project

gave me a valuable glimpse into scientic computing and earth science research, the latterof which has convinced me to major in geosciences and consider research as a career

path.

Ismael Catovic 2015


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Ismael Catovic 2015Chemical and Biological Engineering

Project:Surface Reactions of Li Metal and Eutectics

for Plasma Facing Materials in Fusion


Surface Science Group, Princeton PlasmaPhysics Lab (PPPL), Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Bruce Koel, Professor of Chemical andBiological Engineering

I was fortunate this summer to work with the Surface Science group at PPPL, headed byProfessor Bruce Koel, preparing an Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopic (UPS) instrument

for use in the lab. Using techniques such as UPS, the Surface Science group analyzes chemicalinteractions at the atomic level with the aim of determining the properties of plasma-facingcomponent materials to be used in plasma fusion reactors. UPS works by generating ultraviolet

light, which strikes the surface being analyzed and causes a valence electron to be emitted.By measuring the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons, also called photoelectrons, onecan accurately determine which molecular species are adsorbed or bonded to the surfaceas well as their orientation. I researched various types of UPS instruments and prepared a

home-built Helium UPS instrument. I also took measurements and specications of the UPS

instrument so that it could be duplicated in the future. My experience working at PPPL

opened my eyes to some of the extensive applications of Chemical Engineering and

reconrmed my commitment to its study.

Brian Chang 16


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Brian Chang 16Chemistry

Project:Synthesis and Characterization of Novel

Photocatalysts for Solar Water Splitting andCarbon Dioxide Reduction to Fuels

Organization/Location:Koel Group, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Bruce Koel, Professor of Chemical andBiological Engineering

The goal of my PEI summer internship was to develop a better catalyst for solar-powered

water splitting, mainly to serve as a hydrogen fuel source. Hydrogen can be used as a zero-

emission energy source. However, current methods of generating sufcient quantities ofhydrogen are problematic in that they are either energy-intensive or create large quantitiesof greenhouse gases. Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising method of generating

hydrogen, and should theoretically only require a source of sunlight and water and anappropriate catalyst. I sought to test an alloy of zinc oxide and manganese oxide for use

as a photocatalyst. This alloy has been theorized to be highly efcient but has not yet beensuccessfully synthesized. Over the summer I ran experiments where I attempted to rstsynthesize very small zinc oxide nano-particles, then attempted to combine them with

manganese oxide, then characterized the resulting product in terms of particle size andgeometry using various materials science techniques. This internship taught me about

independently carrying out a research project, and further conrmed my interest in scienticresearch as a career path.

Elliot Chang 16


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Elliot Chang 16Civil and Environmental Engineering

Project:What Trees Could Learn from Alan Greenspan


Princeton Ecohydrology Lab, PrincetonUniversity, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Adam Wolf, Postdoctoral Research Associate,


Working with a team of other undergraduate Princeton students, I studied water distributionamong competing oak and pine trees in the Silas Little Experimental Forest. Using four

sheltered and irrigated plots linked to large tanks of isotopically labeled water, we wereable to label the water applied to the territory around one focal tree. This label allowed usto determine how much water neighboring trees stole from this focal tree. Sampling soils,tree stems, and roots, I learned how to use cryogenic vacuum distillations to collect thewater from these samples. Using a Picarro isotopic analyzer to study isotopologues of water,including HDO and H218O, we examined which competing tree obtained the isotopic water.On a sub-project, I assembled a Decagon Hyprop device to study the volumetric watercontent of soils across varying water potentials. I plan on continuing my research with the

Hyprop device to attempt long periods of data collection. The troubleshooting of the Hypropsoftware and hardware was highly rewarding, and I was able to learn how engineers workon a day-to-day basis. My summer research helped me learn more about isotopic hydrologyand inspired me to do research in ecohydrology for my junior independent work.

Marius Constantin 14


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Marius Constantin 14Physics

Project:Lithium Radiation in Plasmas


Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL),Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Robert Goldston, Professor of Astrophysical

Sciences

During the summer of 2013 I interned at PPPL, one of the worlds leading laboratories in theeld of fusion energy research specializing in tokamak reactors. As the scale of the reactor

experiments increases, one of the key challenges that presents itself is the controlled coolingof the plasma layer that is the closest to the reactor wall. Under the guidance of ProfessorRobert J. Goldston, my co-intern and I took a step in addressing this challenge by focusingon the charge exchange processes between neutral deuterium and ionized l ithium, whichcoexist inside the plasma. We found that although these processes did not signicantly alterthe cooling rate in the temperature and density regimes of current experiments, they couldprovide the dominant cooling mechanism for experiments operating at the parametersrequired to make fusion a viable energy source. Building on previous knowledge from the

Science and Technology of Nuclear Energy class, I gained valuable insights into hownumerical simulations, scaling laws, and heuristics can become powerful tools in pushing

the boundary of fusion energy research. Moreover, this internship gave me the opportunityto work within an exceptional community of scholars, and it reinforced my aspiration topursue a career in applied physics.

Jacob Eisenberg 16


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Jacob Eisenberg 16Undeclared

Project:Feedbacks Between Tropical Forests, Climate,

and Earths Carbon Budget


Medvigy Research Group, PrincetonUniversity, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

David Medvigy, Assistant Professor ofGeosciences

The overarching goals of my research group were to develop a complex computer modelthat would simulate the effectiveness of the terrestrial biosphere as carbon sink, and to

determine how climate change has, and will, alter that effectiveness. Over the course ofthe summer, I learned how to use the Ecosystem Demography model version 2 (ED2). I thenbegan running the model on small patches of forests in the Amazon, using a database

containing information on those patches to initialize the model, and ultimately to determinethe accuracy of the model. I consulted with Professor Medvigy about changing some of

the parameters in the model that werent yet fully understood, to see if it would increase ordecrease accuracy. While I spent some time learning about the general issues of the workthe group was doing, the most valuable aspect of this internship for me was learning aboutthe structure, complexity, and technical issues of a large computer model, and how sucha model can be used in scientic research. It was also interesting to see rst-hand how a

research group functions and collaborates. This internship has denitely conrmed my interest

in studying environmental science.

Chantelle Ekanem 16


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Chantelle Ekanem 16Chemical Engineering

Project:Engineering for Advanced Energy Storage

and Distribution



Adviser(s):


This summer I was an intern with Lightening Energy, a company that develops Lithium-Ion

batteries for applications ranging from vehicles to military equipment. Our projects focused

on aiding the companys battery development, engineering, and commercial productdesign for methods of energy storage and distribution. I helped build battery cells, conductresearch and complete write-ups for reports, and test new battery materials. From these

tasks, I gained insight into numerous aspects of running a business. I observed lab work,research, insurance proceedings, meetings with donors, and more. I also explored diverseaspects of the engineering eld. As a result, I am now able to work well with professionals

producing tangible workI know more formal lab procedures, and am more procient in

Microsoft Excel. After being exposed to these tasks, I learned that I have a passion for hands-

on activities such as lab work and various physics experiments. Thanks to this internship, Ithink that I want to pursue something more hands-on for my career. The company taught

me that there is so much more to explore in the eld of Chemical Engineering. I am extremelygrateful to have played a small part in their story.

Christopher Kwadwo Gordon 15


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pChemical and Biological Engineering

Project:Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Based

Electronic Devices


Loo Group, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Yueh-Lin Loo, Professor of Chemical and

Biological Engineering; Jia Gao, PostdoctoralResearch Associate, Chemical and BiologicalEngineering

I really enjoyed my summer research internship with the Loo Group at Princeton University.

My project involved using an inkjet printer to deposit carbon nanotubes onto preprocessed

silicon wafers to make simple electronic devices (Field Effect Transistors). This technique isscalable to industr ial levels of production and it offers precise control over the location andquantity of deposited material. As such, cost, materials, and energy consumption as well

as the environmental impact of production can all be greatly reduced. This in turn would

likely make technology cheaper and more accessible and thus address the worlds energychallenge. I spent the majority of my internship perfecting the preparation and dispensationof the carbon nanotube ink in order to achieve working devices. I learned how to construct

and conduct systematic studies, how to troubleshoot effectively, and how to sift through

various books and research papers to obtain specic relevant information. This internshipstimulated and sharpened my interest in doing research at a higher level while allowing meto work in a friendly yet challenging environment. I would denitely recommend future

internships with the Loo research group and I will use this invaluable experience in looking

towards graduate school.

Sarthak Gupta 14


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pMechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Project:Solar Electricity Forecaster


Climate Central, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Eric Larson, Research Engineer, PrincetonEnvironmental Institute

One of the biggest impediments to the spread of domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) energyin the United States is lack of public awareness a lot of people tend to think it is unsuitable

for their house without looking at the numbers. In the summer of 2013, I worked at ClimateCentral developing a solar electricity forecasting tool that aims to address this issue. Thetool not only calculates the average monthly electricity production for a specied U.S.

location and panel size, but also tries to predict the output for tomorrow and the day aftertomorrow using a cloud cover regression. Working out of the Princeton, NJ headquarters ofClimate Central, I was responsible for both the PV energy research and web developmentaspects of the project. On the research side, I gained a detailed understanding of the chainof PV energy conversions and loss mechanisms. On the web development side, I acquired

a number of skills including efcient data handling, server side development and front-enddesign. My time at Climate Central reafrmed my decision to pursue a career in renewableenergy and provided some great senior thesis ideas!

Tzu-Yung Huang 15


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Electrical Engineering

Project:Laser and Sensor Development for Trace Gas

Sensing


Mid-Infared Technologies for Health andEnvironment (MIRTHE), Princeton University,Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):Claire Gmachl, Eugene Higgins Professor ofElectrical Engineering

I spent my summer internship at MIRTHE. In my project, we aimed to develop a III -nitr idebased quantum cascade laser which could be used for longer wavelength trace gas sensing

in environmental applications. The main challenge we encountered and aimed to resolveduring the duration of this project was the high contact resistances of the device, which weaimed to improve by trying different recipes of metal contacts. I spent the majority of this

internship fabricating devices in the clean room and obtaining their electrical characterization,which provided me the invaluable opportunity to familiarize myself with the equipment andto learn the many important skills involved in conducting research and fabrication. Thisinternship has furthered my interest in doing research work in related elds after myundergraduate career, and I have learned the tools that will enable me to do that through

this opportunity.

Peter Johnsen 15i


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Physics

Project:Velocity Controlled Molecular Beam

Scattering


Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry(MPIBPC), Germany

Adviser(s):

Alec Wodtke, Max Planck Institute forBiophysical Chemistry

Surface science plays a key role in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and even the destructionof the ozone layer. Furthering our understanding of this emerging eld will increase our ability

to design more energy-efcient industrial processes, improve the cost-effectiveness of fuelcells, and combat the chemical activity that occurs on atmospheric microcrystals. I spentthis summer with scientists at the MPIBPC in an attempt to test the validity of the best theoretical

models for energy transfer between molecules and surfaces, and to develop new theoriesfor explaining these phenomena. We were able to scatter a beam of electronically excitedcarbon monoxide molecules with tunable velocity off a gold surface and detect whenelectrons are ejected, then calculated the efciency of electron ejection. It is possible to

change this efciency by carefully sticking molecules onto the surface of the gold, and we

were able to induce up to 770% more electron emission, giving the process an efciencyof roughly 85%. The current theories for molecule-to-surface energy transfer cannot explainthis result, and the development of a new model will bring us closer to understanding complex

surface-molecule interactions. My work at the MPIBPC has given me an interesting perspectiveon physical chemistry and I am taking additional quantum mechanics courses to further

my knowledge of this eld.

Jordan Lubkeman 16U d l d


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Undeclared

Project:Shedding Light on Plant Respiration


Bender Research Group, Department ofGeosciences, Princeton University, Princeton,NJ

Adviser(s):

Michael Bender, Professor of Geosciences;Paul Gauthier, Postdoctoral ResearchAssociate, Geosciences

The objective of my summer internship was to help develop and use a new technique for

studying leaf respiration in the light, using stable isotope measurements. Leaf respiration in

the light is one important parameter in our understanding of the global carbon cycle andclimate change. However, most models assume in their calculations that a plants respiratorymetabolism occurs at the same rate in the light as it does in the dark. This might not be thecase, as respiration is inhibited in the light. Data on this phenomenon have been consideredtoo scant to be incorporated into models. Through our research, we hope to change this

and improve the accuracy of those models. During my internship, I got to participate inevery step of the research process. I germinated seeds and grew them into plants forexperimentation, helped calibrate and perform maintenance on instruments and alter the

experimental design, ran experiments and collected data, processed these data, readmany journal articles, and participated in lab meetings. I learned a great deal about plantphysiology, climate change and modeling, the nuances involved when working with livingplants, and the many facets of academic research.

Aidan MacDonagh 14Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering


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Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Project:Magnetic Nozzle Research



Adviser(s):

Dr. Samuel Cohen, Director, Program in

Plasma Science and Technology, P.I.,Magnetic Nozzle & FRC Experiments, PlasmaPhysics Laboratory

Magnetic nozzle research, such as the Magnetic Nozzle Experiment (MNX) at PPPL, involvesthe study of the ow of plasma through spatial constrictions imposed by magnetic elds

and physical boundaries that effectively form an analog of the physical nozzle. This researchhas important applications in both magnetic fusion technology and in spacecraft propulsiontechnology. This summer I worked under Dr. Samuel Cohen at PPPL, where I conducted

particle-in-cell (PIC) code simulations of plasma detachment from a magnetic nozzle. Thisprocess of detachment is considered crucial to both thrust production in a propulsion systemand efcient energy generation in related fusion technology. My own work and the work

of my co-interns addressed various components of Dr. Cohens Princeton Field-Reversed

Conguration Experiment (PFRC), a reactor concept that could provide small-scale clean

and sustainable power generation through nuclear fusion. Thanks to this internship, I notonly developed a unique skill set relevant to my research area, but I also gained anunderstanding of the state of nuclear fusion technology and its importance to our future

energy needs. I greatly enjoyed my work at PPPL under Dr. Cohen, and I am looking forwardto continuing this work as my senior thesis this coming year.

Nina Masters 14Chemistry


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Chemistry

Project:Core-Shell Particles


McAlpine Research Group, MAE, PrincetonUniversity, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Michael McAlpine, Assistant Professor of


Through my internship this summer, I was able to step outside of the research opportunitiestypically available to a chemistry major and try my hand at something differentmaterials

science engineering in a mechanical engineering lab. Throughout this experience, I gainedvaluable skills and made signicant headway in preparing myself for my senior thesis.

Eric Materniak 14Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering


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Project:Engineering for Advanced Energy Storage

Technology



Adviser(s):

Mike Epstein, Lightening Energy

As an intern at Lightening Energy this past summer, I performed many tasks related to energystorage technology. Lightening Energy, a small company, submits many proposals for militarycontracts. One such proposal was for a vehicle battery with an increased charge retentionlife. On just the second day of my internship, we needed to perform a heat transfer calculationto verify the charge retention life of this vehicle battery. This kind of atmosphere made theinternship very exciting. As Lightening Energy is considering manufacturing their lithium ionbatteries in the near future, I developed a cost model for a lithium ion battery manufacturingplant to determine if the company could compete with large scale manufacturers in Asia.In order to make the batteries affordable on a large scale, Lightening Energy also wanteda new simple and cost-effective case design for their l ithium ion cell, which I designed using

CAD software. Another part of my internship involved researching alternative materials forfuel cell interconnects. These energy technologies can be used to reduce dependence onfossil fuel power plants which provide extra power to the grid. I thoroughly enjoyed my

internship this summer and am considering a career related to energy storage technologyor alternative energy.

Ryan McNellis 15Operations Research and Financial


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Operations Research and FinancialEngineering (ORFE)

Project:

Models for Energy Distribution and Banking



Adviser(s):


My internship with Lightening Energy (LE) this summer was both rewarding and challenging.LE is a company specializing in technology for advanced battery and rapid recharging forelectric motor vehicles and military applications. I was responsible for developing the

mathematical models and computer code for a new web application that the companyis creating. I constructed the web page/user interface for the app and provided presentations

on the utility of the app to shareholders and customers of the company. This internship gaveme a chance to apply what I learned in my academic studies at Princeton to a real worldproblem. Im now considering getting a PhD in operations research after I graduate since

what I have learned thus far in the eld as an undergraduate prepared me well for the issuesI tackled this summer. It also gave me invaluable professional experience; for example, I

learned how to make the most out of business meetings and how to present and pitch ideaseffectively. Finally, my time at LE helped me to see what it is l ike to work for a small company,in contrast to doing research at a university, as I did last summer.

Marina Nogueira 16Molecular Biology


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Molecular Biology

Project:Microbial Fuel Cells: Microuidic Approaches

to Microbial Fuel Cells


Complex Fluids Group - Stone Lab, PrincetonUniversity, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Howard Stone, Donald R. Dixon 69 andElizabeth W. Dixon Professor of Mechanicaland Aerospace Engineering

This summer I investigated the role of biolm streamers in the clogging of porous materials.Biolms are bacterial communities that occupy most moist surfaces and are known for

clogging industrial ow systems and causing medical-device-associated infections. Previousresearch in the Stone Lab showed that biolms, in the presence of ow, can form three-

dimensional structures, which bridge the spaces between obstacles and cause suddenand rapid clogging. This summer, we were interested to see if streamers form in porousmaterials which are used in various ltration systems, and whether these streamers dictateclogging dynamics in real soil. I used microuidic channels to mimic a soil -like environment.I was then able to look at streamer formation in the channels and gather data, such as owrates and clogging times, to understand the dynamics in these systems. It was exciting to

see that biolm streamers could form in porous materials like soil and may play a role in theclogging dynamics. I really enjoyed my experience this summer and I was encouraged to

keep researching. I will continue to work on the project during the semester and I now knowthat I would like to pursue a career in science research.

Sindiso Nyathi 16Ecology and Evolutionary Biology


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gy y gy




Adviser(s):



I spent the summer working with four other undergraduates and Dr. Adam Wolf assessing

the possible effects of changing climate on transpiration and water use in treesprimarily

the white oak, black oak and pitch pine. My role was to determine how different levels of

water availability affect transpiration in trees. I did this by constructing sap-ow probes,which measure the sap ow rate of trees. These trees were then articially subjected to

varying levels of water availabil ity and their sap ow rates measured. The sap ow rateswere then used to calculate transpiration at different times of day and at different water

availability levels. In addition to constructing, installing, and maintaining the probes, I wrotethe programs used to analyze the data collected. I conducted research to investigate howprevious researchers had determined estimates of transpiration, attempted to replicate

these methods, and determined which was the most efcient. I gained practical skills incircuit design and circuit construction, working with languages such as CRBasic and Matlab,and working with Dataloggers. The internship has encouraged me, among other things, tofurther investigate the application of automated computer systems in the monitoring ofenvironmental conditions.

Caden Ohlwiler 15Mechanical Engineering


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g g




Adviser(s):



Current research efforts in Princetons ecohydrology lab include studying how trees respondto drought and conducting low-cost environmental monitoring. This summer, I worked on

two projects: Designing both a leaf chamber and attachments for the Princeton UniversityLow-Cost Sensors for the Environment (PULSE) sensor project. For the leaf chamber project,I met with a plant researcher at Princeton who advised me on the design and constructionof a chamber and provided me with design les for his chamber. I designed a chamberand compiled a parts list. I plan to begin construction of this chamber this fall to study the

photosynthetic response of leaves under simulated drought conditions. For the PULSE project,I designed and prototyped attachments for a sensor pod currently being developed in thelab which will provide a low-cost, modular sensor platform suitable for real-time environmental

and agricultural monitoring in developing countries. These attachments include connectorsfor a variety of sensors, an adjustable solar panel mount, and zip-tie attachments for the

pod. By using the labs 3D printer, I was able to move quickly from a conceptual design to

a physical part, and iteratively redesign parts based on real-world testing and feedback

from my advisor. This internship furthered my interest in product design and rapid prototyping,

a eld I am seriously considering for my career.

Olamide Oladosu 15Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering


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Project:Hematite (FE203)-Based Photoelectrocatalysts

for Production of Renewable Hydrogen


Koel Group, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Adviser(s):

Bruce Koel, Professor of Chemical and

Biological Engineering

I spent my summer immersed in the world of photocatalysis, a eld that seeks to harness thepower of the sun to efciently run the reactions that wil l power our world in the future. I

began by doing background research into the role of hematite and other semiconductingmaterials in catalyzing the splitting of water into its constituent parts. This reaction looksparticularly promising because the hydrogen created can be stored and later burnedcleanly in oxygen, creating energy and water as the only products. Current research focuseson balancing dopant concentrations and surface morphology in the catalysts in order to

nd a happy medium that maximizes the turnover of either photocurrent density or gasproduct for given wavelengths of light. Through the work of assembling and tuning aquadrupole mass spectrometer, I gained experience in the process of analyzing a

photocatalyst candidate using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). This internshipgave me an in-depth look into the proper design and execution of experimental systems

and has really inspired me to pursue research into renewable energy sources as a career

path.

Elizabeth Paul 15Astrophysics


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GY

Project:Advanced-Fuel Fusion Reactors



Adviser(s):

Samuel Cohen, Director, Program in PlasmaScience and Technology, P.I., MagneticNozzle & FRC Experiments, Plasma PhysicsLaboratory, Lecturer with the rank of Professorin Astrophysical Sciences

Nuclear fusion has long been regarded as a potential alternative to fossil fuels and atechnology that could ensure a safe energy future. An advanced fuel fusion reactor, the

Field Reversed Conguration, is especially promising as it is smaller and cleaner than the

more widely studied tokamak. My project explored the transfer of energy between the veryenergetic particles produced in the fusion reaction and the plasma in the scrape-off layer,

the relatively thin outer layer of the reactor. By the end of the summer I began to understandhow to optimize the simulation of this process, and explored new methods of energy dissipation,

such as through excitation of plasma waves. As a result of this project,,I gained valuableskills in running and debugging plasma simulations software, data analysis, and navigationof scientic literature. More importantly, my research experience piqued my interest in

computation physics and provided me with an appreciation for the interesting physicsinvolved in the study of plasmas and fusion.

Zhaonan Qu 15Mathematics


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Project:Lithium Cooling in Tokamak Scrape-Off Layer



Adviser(s):

Robert Goldston, Professor of AstrophysicalSciences

Fusion energy is among one of the several most promising new energy resources. The Tokamakis a relatively developed fusion reactor that has been utilized to conne fusion plasma,whose temperature could reach 100 million degrees Celsius, so that fusion reactions can

take place. However, a major technical issue remains unsolved for fusion energy reactors:

Temperature in the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL, the part of the plasma immediately in contact

with reactor walls) remains hard to control, which could lead to severe damage to reactors,breaking a sustainable fusion reaction. To stabilize the temperature in SOL, impurity ions withhigh radiative power are introduced into the plasma, so that much of the power is dissipatedthrough various atomic and ionic reactions. In short, reduction of heat ux along the magneticeld lines is a crucial step towards a stable temperature. My research for the summer of 2013

focused on establishing and developing a model that predicts the cooling rate and heatux reduction of several different impurity elements in the fusion plasma. This summers

research position at PPPL provided me with the great opportunity to further develop mywork at PPPL last summer, and to work closely with an inspiring gure in plasma physics,Professor Godlston.

Kevin Ross 14Civil and Environmental Engineering


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Project:Mitigating Climate Accelerants


Environmental Defense Fund, Boulder, CO

Adviser(s):

Peter Zalzal, Environmental Defense Fund

This summer I was an engineering intern on the Climate and Air team for EDF. The majority

of the work I performed was based on researching mitigation options for non-CO2 greenhouse

gas emissions in the United States. In particular, I was heavily involved in EDFs efforts todevelop a strategy for hydrouorocarbon (HFC) mitigation. HFCs are extremely potentgreenhouse gases that are mostly emitted from refrigeration and air conditioning technology.

Throughout the summer, I produced a document that outlined mitigation options for HFCsin the U.S. and internationally and for how EDF could begin to pursue these options. In

addition to my work on HFCs, I also did research on mitigation of black carbon emissions inthe U.S., volatile organic compound emissions in Northern Colorado, and potential green

jobs in Ohio. My experience with the EDF was pivotal in determining what I would like to

pursue once I graduate. I woke up every morning excited about what I would do at workthat day, and it was extremely fullling to be working on projects that I believed could makea real difference in the enviornment. As a result, I hope to continue my career in environmental

protection.

Jordan Shivers 16Chemical and Biological Engineering


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Project:Microbial Fuel Cells: Microuidic Approaches

to Microbial Fuel Cells


Stone Research Group, Princeton University,Princeton,NJ

Adviser(s):

Howard Stone, Donald R. Dixon 69 andElizabeth W. Dixon Professor of Mechanicaland Aerospace Engineering

Biolms are antibiotic-resistant communities of bacteria that adhere to moist surfaces andare responsible for numerous medical device-related infections. Under ow conditions in

non-uniform environments, certain bacteria form 3D streamers which span across gaps andcan cause rapid clogging. During my internship with the Stone Research Group, I studied

some of the mechanics behind the formation of these streamers in several strains of

Staphylococcus aureus and the idea of modifying gene expression to control the adherenceof these streamers to surfaces. While working on the project, I learned a tremendous amountabout biolms, microuidics, and bacterial quorum sensing as well as the nuances of workingwith bacteria in the lab. The internship allowed me to experience the practical applicationof many ideas I had learned in my biology classes and gave me valuable insight into the

challenges and rewards of conducting scientic research. These experiences denitelystrengthened my interest in biology and chemistry. I plan to continue working on this projectduring the school year.

Bethany Sneathen 16Molecular Biology


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Adviser(s):

Adam Wolf, Postdoctoral Research Associate,Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

During my summer internship with the Caylor Lab in the Civil and Environmental EngineeringDep

Documents

Interns Booklet 2013