Undergraduate Researcher: Phillip Szymcek

Phillip Szymcek, a sophomore in geology, studied modern and ancient foramnifera (single-celled marine life) from Antarctic waters. This work was part of a faculty project investigating global warming and the shrinking of the Larsen Ice Shelf. With knowledge about the conditions in which modern foramnifera live, researchers recovering fossilized foramnifera from the ice can learn more about previous environmental conditions. Phillip received a 2001-2002 Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Award for this research and presented a paper on his findings at the 2001 national meeting of the Geological Society of America. His mentor was Dr. Scott Ishman, assistant professor of geology.

Phillip's message: "Research broadens what is learned in classes into the realization of what I can do in my career. I feel lucky to have the professional opportunities of conducting original research and presenting at notable scientific meetings. Research becomes an extended type of learning in which you can delve into the finer details on one subject.

"It is very gratifying to know I am the only person doing this aspect of this project and one of only a few in the world working on Antarctic foraminifera. I have basically found that I become an 'expert' in an area by doing long-term research."