Each semester, Wyoming EPSCoR selects and funds 20 or more
Undergraduate Research Fellowships. These fellowships are excellent
opportunities for students to gain quality experience in research, to prepare
for graduate programs, and obtain practical knowledge. Throughout the next few
weeks, our blog will be highlighting various students participating in the
EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Fellowships program.
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| Wil Chapple |
Wil Chapple, a senior in the Rangeland Ecology and Watershed
Management department is studying water and isotopes.
“I’m tracing water through the ecosystem in the Snowy Range,”
says Wil. “And also, how the glacial history that helped shape the Snowies has
affected the soils that similar ecosystems rely on.”
To trace the water, Wil is using various research methods to collect
data.
“I’ve been collecting soil samples and taking isotope measures
of the water in the Snowies,” says Wil. “I’m looking to see if there are
similar isotopic signatures in certain depths of the soil.”
Wil has been working in the Stable Isotope Facility for three semesters. His faculty mentor is Dr. David Williams, a professor in the Departments of Botany and Ecosystem Science and Management and Team Lead in WyCEHG.
“I’m lucky to get a lot of support and help from Dave and
fellow grad students,” says Wil. “I’m really thankful for that!”
Through his fellowship, Wil has gained many valuable
experiences, but a few things stand out above the rest.
“I’ve gotten a glimpse into what graduate school would be
like,” says Wil. “I’ve also learned what it takes to do good science. I’ve
learned a lot of patience.”
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