SEAS Cruise 2007 : People
Kate Mullaugh- Graduate Student, University of Delaware
- What do you do? Where do you work?
- I am a graduate student at the University of Delaware. I study analytical chemistry, which is basically making measurements to identify chemicals and their concentrations. I apply my training to help characterize the chemical environments at hydrothermal vents.
- What is your role on this cruise?
- I am helping to prepare and standardize electrodes for in-situ (real time) measurements on the seafloor. When the data from these measurements is recorded, my group and I analyze the data to convert it into concentrations of sulfide and oxygen. I also conduct iron analysis and pH measurements on water samples Alvin brings up.
- What is your education/training?
- I got my B.S. in chemistry from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. I am currently working toward my PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the Univ. of Delaware.
- What inspired you to choose your career?
- I've always enjoyed chemistry and I began to realize that there is a lot that we don't know about the environment. I decided that I wanted to have a career in environmental chemistry to help solve some of these problems.
- Please describe your family:
- My parents live and work in Pittsburgh, PA where I grew up. My brother is a mechanical engineer, also living in Pittsburgh.
- What are some of your favorite things about life at sea?
- I really like how scientists from different areas come together to conduct research. It's nothing like the stereotype of a lone scientist working in a lab.
- WWhat do you like to do in your free time?
- I really like cooking and baking, which I guess isn't a surprise because it's like chemistry- with different ingredients! And I do yoga when I'm at home, too.
- Click here to read Kate's essay about her first Alvin dive.
