Summer Interns Receive VIP Seating During Aerosol Campaign

 
Published: 4 October 2011
Left to right: Erika Schreiber, Agossa Segla, Dr. Qi Zhang, Danielle Weech, Tony Aguirre, Stephanie DeJong

Students from two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs participated in the Aerosol Life Cycle Intensive Operational Period (IOP) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) on Long Island, NY, from June 15 through August 15, 2011. Students and their mentors came from the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program and the Faculty and Student Teams (FaST) program. These programs are comprised of students selected by their education personnel and laboratory mentors.

In addition to assisting in the on-going research and operations during the Aerosol Life Cycle IOP, these student interns interacted with BNL and visiting scientists, some of whom were also involved in the IOP. The students heard introductory lectures given by BNL and visiting scientists and also attended lectures presented to the BNL Atmospheric Sciences Division. Some of these lectures included:

  • Ernie Lewis, BNL, presented an introductory lecture on the IOP and how it fits into the goals of ARM and DOE.
  • Dr. Gannet Hallar, Desert Research Institute (DRI) at Storm Peak Laboratory in Steamboat Springs, Colo., presented a lecture on aerosol processes, focusing on new particle formation.
  • Dr. Qi Zhang, University of California at Davis, presented a lecture on organic aerosols.
  • Dr. Shanhu Lee, Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, presented a lecture on isoprene suppression of new particle formation in a mixed deciduous forest.
  • Dr. Seong-Soo Yum, Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, presented a lecture on the warm rain initiation problem.
  • Dr. Stephen E. Schwartz, BNL, presented a lecture on climate change.

Female presenters provided good role models for the young women in attendance and smaller venues encouraged all students to participate in the discussions. Overall, the lectures and field experience provided a valuable learning opportunity for the students.