132 Research Reflection by Margot Langue

Faculty Mentor: Andrea Brunelle (Geography, University of Utah)

My undergraduate research involvement has unquestionably been one of the most formative experiences of my entire undergraduate education. I first joined the Records of Environment and Disturbance Lab in December of 2021, working with Dr. Andrea Brunelle and Dr. Mitchell Power on a National Science Foundation funded project. We examined the wildfire history of the high-elevation forested ecosystem of Fish Lake, Utah. My position as an undergraduate research analyst provided me with strong footing in paleoclimatological proxy record analysis and allowed me to develop my prior laboratory experience specific to my future career goals. My research motivated me to seek out new opportunities in the realm of paleoclimatology, out of excitement to learn as much as possible, granting me an internship with The Natural History Museum of Utah. This internship allows me to explore and research climate records through the analysis of other proxy records, which would not have been possible without my prior undergraduate charcoal analysis research experience. My charcoal analysis research position has also granted me the ability to explore different areas of research, permitting me to focus my career goals under the guidance and expertise of my mentors. I am incredibly grateful for my undergraduate research experience, and everything it has prepared me for in my future academic and career path.