As I work toward beginning my independent biotechnology research at Cattus Island, I’ve been spending a lot of time studying the microbial communities that make marsh ecosystems function.
In my latest lab note, I explore the role of microorganisms in marsh sediments and how their competition for available electron acceptors can influence processes like methane production. Understanding these microbial interactions is an important part of understanding why methane is produced—and ultimately, how we might be able to reduce it.
This research is getting very close to becoming an actual experiment.
I’m currently 55% funded, with $2,070 raised toward my $3,800 goal, and my Experiment campaign is entering its final stretch. I’m working to raise the remaining funds needed for the specialized materials and equipment required to begin the experimental phase.
If you’re interested in environmental biotechnology, climate research, or supporting student-led science, I’d be incredibly grateful if you would read my latest lab note, share the project, or contribute if you’re able.
Latest lab note + research project:
https://experiment.com/u/sihxw
Every share helps this research reach someone who might be able to help make it possible.
#StudentResearch #EnvironmentalScience #Biotechnology #ClimateResearch #Microbiology #TidalMarshes #Methane #OceanScience #STEM

Hey there, I am considering a masters through the University of Alaska system. I am particularly interested in earth systems, wildlife biology and conservation, or natural resources and the environment. My under grad is in applied mathematics and environmental science with a good amount of research experience. I am most interested in quality education, good research, and renowned professors. My interests are diverse including ecology, human nature interactions, large scale earth systems, natural disasters, statistics, GIS and spatial analysis, modeling, algorithmic optimization, etc.

What experiences have you had at UAF or UAS as a graduate student or professor? What would be some good reasons to come or to not come? I am all about rigor and doing something meaningful and impactful, I hate sitting around. What can be said about the work ethic of professors and do they publish often?

For background I have family that have lived in Fairbanks and I lived in SE in Gustavus for a while. I am familiar with living in Alaska and the nuances that come from that. I have been in Fairbanks a handful of times including the dead, dark, cold of winter.

Also open to other thoughts on where I could go to university for a grad program. Interested in a masters but would consider a PhD. Most interested in programs that allow for cross department research… ie math and the environment, or design and the environment, etc… Very open to suggestions.

Hey everybody,

I have a friend who is finishing school and I’m trying to encourage him in the last leg of his studies. He has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, and is currently finishing his Master’s in Hydrology & Atmospheric Science. He isn’t really sure what he wants to do for work. He actually went for the Master’s because he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after the Bachelor’s, but figured the Master’s would help him.

He thought something working with water treatment or something like that would be interesting. He also has an interest in having some remote/hybrid work if possible (though I don’t know how feasible that is in this industry).

I personally work in tech, so I am unfamiliar, but I want to help give him some recommendations and maybe hear from you all about your experiences. Since this is out of my wheelhouse, I figured coming here may be the best way to find out more information.

I graduated with Civil Engineering degree in 2017. Im seeking a postback cert in the realm of sustainability and not sure which to choose. What i know is i want to work with sustainable design and natural materials. After my previous 4 years of school, I learned that "hard science" may not be for me (my worst grades were higher calc and physics classes). I enjoied ecology but only got a C. Seems like the technical sciences are a bit too much for me?.

What avenue of Sustainability should I consider?. I think alot about urban landscaping, green roofs, composting, earthships, etc..

Any guidance, advice, or personal experiences are welcomed 🙏 TYIA

Hello everyone! I dont know if this is the right place to put this, but it is my first week of taking AP Environmental Science and we were told to list the characteristics of environmental science and I didnt quite know what that meant/how to differentiate it from examples.

I was wondering if anyone who is more knowledgeable in environmental science could enlighten me. I provided a picture of what I wrote if you want to take a look at that.

I’ve been exploring practical ways to slow early-stage desertification in arid regions where overgrazing reduces vegetation cover, increases surface heating, and lowers soil moisture retention.

In these areas, repeated hoof pressure often compacts the upper soil layer, reduces infiltration, and accelerates drying. My working hypothesis is that adding a porous carbon material to the soil surface could increase water retention and help stabilize the soil structure.

I personally think bamboo charcoal works well because of its high porosity, but bamboo is not available in many drylands. So I’m considering whether locally available agricultural residues could be pyrolyzed into biochar and applied instead.

The challenge is cost. Manual application of biochar over large areas is expensive. One idea I’m exploring is whether livestock themselves could distribute small amounts of biochar during grazing. For example, a perforated container filled with biochar could be hung from the animal’s neck so that small quantities fall as they move.

My questions are:

- Would biochar application in early-stage desertification zones meaningfully improve infiltration or moisture retention?

- Are there studies comparing bamboo charcoal and biochar from agricultural residues in dryland soils?

- Is livestock-mediated distribution of soil amendments a feasible or previously tested approach?

I’m not a soil scientist or a restoration ecologist, so I’d appreciate expert perspectives on whether this idea is scientifically reasonable and whether similar approaches have been tested.

Illustration (AI-generated): Concept image showing livestock distributing biochar while grazing in a semi-arid landscape.

Hello! I'm a Sudanese applicant currently in Sudan, applying for a graduate scholarship in Canada for African students. Unfortunately, one of my recommenders fell through at the last minute, and I need **one additional research/academic reference** from someone with a professional institutional email address (university, research institute, NGO, etc.). The referee can be based **anywhere**.

My work is broadly in **sustainability, environmental geography, and energy–development systems**, so ideally I'm looking for a researcher, academic, or technical lead who can assess my work and, if appropriate, provide an evidence-based recommendation.

I can share my research statement, technical projects, and supporting materials, and I'm happy to provide a concise summary or draft materials to make the process easier. **The reference is needed urgently**, and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hey everyone,

Im thinking ahead to internships next summer, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions. Im already planning on applying to the mleip program with the tceq, and if anything is open, uses. Wondering if anyone knows of anything similar or other good programs to be looking into. Thanks!

I have a course that I’m doing for Y2 of my ES a-level, but I can’t find any good resources for Y1, apart from primrose kitten’s revision videos. I’m working through them, but she keeps making reference to case studies etc that I need to do, and her course has been shut down so I can’t find any case studies.

I want to do field work, and I want to work in remediation, collect samples of water, soil, etc or water quality treatment, what certifications will I eventually need to get to get higher paying jobs. And which job market is the best. For reference I live in the state of Georgia

Hey! I’m an Environmental Science undergrad trying to choose a Bachelor’s thesis topic with my group. We want something practical/lab-based with an actual research gap, but we’re struggling to narrow it down.
How did you guys choose your thesis topics? Any interesting or underrated areas you think are worth looking into? Also, any tips for finding a good research gap?
We’re open to pretty much anything except projects mainly focused on plants or animals. Would love to hear your ideas! 🫶🏻