Elias Gradinger

I spent ten incredible weeks this summer working in the Robertson Lab as an REU on a project titled “The Effect of Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilization on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Switchgrass”. Switchgrass is a native, perennial grass with many positive ecosystem services. It can be used to make biofuel, a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. I focused primarily on measuring nitrous oxide emissions while I worked with a URA who concentrated on measuring the nitrate leaching into the groundwater. Together, we aimed to optimize nitrogen fertilizer use to maximize biomass production and minimize environmental impacts.

I worked with a lovely and talented team including Dr. Robertson, my mentors Kevin Kahmark, Dr. Ashim Datta, and David Weed, and last but certainly not least my fellow undergraduate Lydia Woods. Together, we tackled a variety of data and analysis techniques, all of which I learned on-site. I grew tremendously through this experience and couldn’t be more grateful for the team that helped me flourish.

Beyond the research, at Kellogg Biological Station I lived with and interacted with people of all ages and backgrounds in research. I was consistently learning and sharing with my peers in tremendously fun ways. I was always learning! Further, I had so much fun living with thirty people from various backgrounds but with a common interest in science and nerding out together. Simply put, I cannot thank the GLBRC enough for this wonderful opportunity.