Reminiscing Undergraduate Research Experiences: Interview with Adrian Tasistro-Hart from the Class of '17
Princeton Alumnus's Dinosaur-era Lake Research Shines Light on Climate Dynamics
Adrian Tasistro-Hart, a 2017 Princeton University graduate with a degree in Geosciences, has made significant strides in understanding climate dynamics during warmer periods by studying a lake that existed in western Bolivia during the time of dinosaurs.
Tasistro-Hart's research, which focused on the hydrology of this ancient lake, revealed that the same processes causing ice ages also had an impact on the lake's water levels. This discovery provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between climate and geology during warmer periods.
The journey to this groundbreaking research began when Tasistro-Hart noticed layered rocks on satellite imagery, which piqued his curiosity. He found a mentor in Professor Adam Maloof, who offered fieldwork and new quantitative methods to aid in his research.
Fieldwork for Tasistro-Hart's research involved collecting samples, making observations, and even flying a drone in Bolivia. However, the most challenging aspect of his project was prioritization, necessitating him to pare away components that he wouldn't have time for.
Tasistro-Hart's research is currently being polished and prepared for publication. His work aligns with Princeton's commitment to showcasing the impact of undergraduate research, as demonstrated in the Princeton alumni series "Looking Back on Undergraduate Research: Alumni Perspectives". This series provides a platform for alumni to discuss how engaging in undergraduate research has academically, professionally, and personally shaped their lives.
Meanwhile, Alec Getraer, a current Geoscience major at Princeton, is engaged in independent research with Professor Maloof, similar to Tasistro-Hart's. Getraer's reflections may resonate with any student engaged in independent work, facing the challenges of prioritizing goals and planning a manageable project.
Getraer, who serves as the Natural Sciences Correspondent, is also working with Professor Maloof on a project that utilizes a computer program to work with drone data in a new and useful way. This work builds upon Tasistro-Hart's research, further advancing our understanding of climate dynamics during warmer periods.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Adrian Tasistro-Hart and his contemporaries at Princeton underscores the university's commitment to fostering intellectual exploration and experiential learning. Their work not only contributes to the scientific community's understanding of climate dynamics but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of undergraduate research.
- Adrian Tasistro-Hart's junior paper at Princeton, focusing on the hydrology of an ancient dinosaur-era lake, sheds light on the impact of climate dynamics during warmer periods, demonstrating the significance of undergraduate research in education-and-self-development.
- Current Princeton Geoscience major, Alec Getraer, is involved in independent work with Professor Maloof, working on a project that utilizes online-education resources, like computer programs, to analyze drone data, extending Tasistro-Hart's research in climate dynamics.
- Undergraduate research, such as Tasistro-Hart's, provides invaluable insights into complex interplays between climate and geology, showcasing the innovative thinking and independent work of students in the field of science.
- Pursuing ambitious research projects, like Tasistro-Hart's, often requires students to develop strong prioritization skills and carefully plan manageable projects, offering invaluable learning experiences within the realm of science and education-and-self-development.
