71 Research Reflection by Aditya Pandey

Faculty Mentor: Brenda Bowen (Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah)

My undergraduate research experience has been the most transformative part of my education at the University of Utah. Through UROP and the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy, I investigated the geochemical and mineralogical composition of exposed reservoir sediments from Lake Powell tributaries using XRF, XRD, LGSA and SEM analyses. This hands-on research taught me how to integrate field observations with laboratory data to understand landscape processes driven by climate and hydrologic change.

Beyond technical skills, research strengthened my ability to think critically, manage complex datasets and communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences. Working with Dr. Brenda Bowen’s lab and interdisciplinary collaborators helped me see how geology connects directly to sustainability and resource management. These experiences have shaped my goal of pursuing a career in environmental geoscience, focused on sediment systems, erosion risk and climate adaptation, in both research and applied industry settings.