Karli Anderson , IT 2008
Analyzing the Microstructure of Pumice to Determine Macroscopic Properties
Major
Geology and Geophysics
Mentor
Martin O. Saar, Geology and Geophysics
Brief Bio
Besides research and geology classes I also enjoy taking religious studies classes (which is my minor). I am involved in Campus Crusade, and I like reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Future Plans
I want to attend graduate school in some area of hydrogeology, climate change, or environmental science.
Why Research?
I wanted to find out more of my interests. I also wanted to see if Iliked research, and gain experience with Geology and Geophysics, and learn something new.
What Did I Get from Research?
I was able to learn a little of how research is done, as well as some cool things about pumice and volcanoes, and I got to meet graduate students and get a taste of what graduate school is like. I also really got to challenge and stretch myself, especially when given the opportunity to present my research at a geophysics convention in San Francisco.
How Did I Start?
I talked to my adviser, and he gave me a list of faculty members that might be interested in having students do research. I emailed my mentor, and we started the project.
My Advice for Another Student:
Give research a try. It's a great experience to take advantage of, especially at a research institute like the U of M. You will learn about your skills and interests, and you will meet some fun people. Go for it.
Research Summary
I research what the spatial properties of bubbles in pumice can tell us about the macroscopic properties of magma in a volcano using spatial correlation functions. Determining macroscopic properties such as permeability is an important part of understanding how a volcano degasses. Our lab also built a permeameter to measure the permeability of pumice samples taken from Lake Valley Caldera in California.