85 Research Reflection by Katya Podkovyroff

As a second-bachelor’s student graduating in Spring 2023 in Biology with a minor in Earth Science, I have a particular interest in paleobiology and biogeochemistry. Throughout my time at the University of Utah, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work in 2 different labs with 3 major projects. This particular submission highlights the work I have done since Fall 2021 in Dr. Diego Fernandez’s ICP-MS Metals and Strontium Isotope Facility in the Geology and Geophysics Department at the University of Utah. Having these research experiences opened my eyes to the complexity of reconstructing paleoenvironments and studying paleobiological systems. I have also further developed my laboratory training and field work experience across my multiple research projects, which was an essential element for my applications to graduate school, which I hope to begin Fall 2023. Being involved in the ICP-MS lab also led to my opportunities to become a UROP scholar with an independent research project and has opened doors to presenting research, attending conferences, and spurring my involvement in a senior thesis on a separate. All of these excellent opportunities have prepared me for my future goals of wanting to go into research and academia as well as procuring the foundation of the independent research process of conceptualizing unique research questions, formulating hypotheses and presenting findings.