In the face of a changing world, how do we protect our natural resources? How do we sustain and preserve their functions? This panel shares their summer experiences, the challenges they tackled, and offers internship advice to classmates. One project focused on endangered exceptional plant species and the genetic impacts of cryopreservation. In contrast, a second research group used a combination of field and lab work techniques to better understand how pollutants are transported within watersheds via stable water isotope analysis. Another project investigated the effect of land use changes on the biodiversity of plant communities in southern German peatlands. Finally, one research group studied the impacts of autonomous agricultural field robots on various soil health properties in the hopes of finding a more sustainable method of agriculture. It will take a wide variety of collaborative, cross-disciplinary research to successfully protect our environment, as illustrated in this panel.

Moderator: Chloe Drummond, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Presenters:

• Katherine Hughes '26 Geology
• Sophia-Emma Eddy '26 Biology/Politics
• Piper Danielson '26 Environmental Studies/Mathematics
• Elle Mader '26 Biological Sciences/Environmental Studies