Professors
Name: Dr. Joshua Sebree
Hometown: Salina, Kansas
Title: Assistant Professor of Astrochemistry
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Degrees: BS in Chemistry from The University of Kansas, PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University, NASA post-doctorial fellow at Goddard Space Flight Center
Role: I will be leading the investigations of the ancient Earth’s atmosphere. I will also be coordinating with our counterparts at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center for site visits.
Why do you think it is imperative to explore the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere?
The story of life on Earth has always been one of change, both how the Earth changed life, and how life changed the Earth. With all the debates and arguments about “manmade climate change” it is important to look back across the history of the planet and see how previous shifts in the atmosphere changed the conditions for life.
Contact Information:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
213 McCollum Science Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0359
Phone: 319-273-2617
Email: [email protected]
Website
Hometown: Salina, Kansas
Title: Assistant Professor of Astrochemistry
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Degrees: BS in Chemistry from The University of Kansas, PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University, NASA post-doctorial fellow at Goddard Space Flight Center
Role: I will be leading the investigations of the ancient Earth’s atmosphere. I will also be coordinating with our counterparts at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center for site visits.
Why do you think it is imperative to explore the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere?
The story of life on Earth has always been one of change, both how the Earth changed life, and how life changed the Earth. With all the debates and arguments about “manmade climate change” it is important to look back across the history of the planet and see how previous shifts in the atmosphere changed the conditions for life.
Contact Information:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
213 McCollum Science Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0359
Phone: 319-273-2617
Email: [email protected]
Website
Name: Dr. Alexa Sedlacek
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Title: Assistant Professor of Geology
Department: Earth Science
Degrees: B.A. Geology; Ph.D. Geological Science
Role: Co-Advisor: My research focuses on how the geologic record preserves evidence of atmospheric change throughout Earth’s history. In the BETA project, we study the chemistry of Devonian age marine rocks that are used as a proxy record of atmospheric changes resulting from the expansion of complex forest ecosystems.
Why do you think this research is important to conduct in today’s society?
Changes in Earth’s atmospheric composition impact climate. Through studying records of major change in throughout Earth’s history, we better understand the climate system and can make clearer predictions of how it will respond to changes in the near and distant future.
Contact Information:
Alexa Sedlacek
Department of Earth Science
Latham Hall 122
Phone: 319-273-3072
Website
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Title: Assistant Professor of Geology
Department: Earth Science
Degrees: B.A. Geology; Ph.D. Geological Science
Role: Co-Advisor: My research focuses on how the geologic record preserves evidence of atmospheric change throughout Earth’s history. In the BETA project, we study the chemistry of Devonian age marine rocks that are used as a proxy record of atmospheric changes resulting from the expansion of complex forest ecosystems.
Why do you think this research is important to conduct in today’s society?
Changes in Earth’s atmospheric composition impact climate. Through studying records of major change in throughout Earth’s history, we better understand the climate system and can make clearer predictions of how it will respond to changes in the near and distant future.
Contact Information:
Alexa Sedlacek
Department of Earth Science
Latham Hall 122
Phone: 319-273-3072
Website
Name: Dr. Xinhua Shen
Hometown: Beijing, China
Title: Assistant Professor of Meteorology/Air Quality
Department: Earth Science
Degrees: Ph. D. Atmospheric Science
Role: Co-Advisor / Heterogeneous interactions of reduced nitrogen with fog in the Cedar Valley: Agriculture and the Atmosphere
Why do you think this research is important to conduct in today’s society?
Currently NH3 is not a regulated pollutant, filed measurements of NH3 are sparse in the United States. The understandings of the atmospheric nitrogen cycle in high NH3 concentration regions are severely limited.
Contact Information:
Xinhua Shen
Assistant Professor
Department of Earth Science
University of Northern Iowa
Latham Hall 106
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0335
Phone: (319) 273-2536
Fax: (319) 273-7124
Email: [email protected]
Website
Hometown: Beijing, China
Title: Assistant Professor of Meteorology/Air Quality
Department: Earth Science
Degrees: Ph. D. Atmospheric Science
Role: Co-Advisor / Heterogeneous interactions of reduced nitrogen with fog in the Cedar Valley: Agriculture and the Atmosphere
Why do you think this research is important to conduct in today’s society?
Currently NH3 is not a regulated pollutant, filed measurements of NH3 are sparse in the United States. The understandings of the atmospheric nitrogen cycle in high NH3 concentration regions are severely limited.
Contact Information:
Xinhua Shen
Assistant Professor
Department of Earth Science
University of Northern Iowa
Latham Hall 106
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0335
Phone: (319) 273-2536
Fax: (319) 273-7124
Email: [email protected]
Website
NASA Members
Name: Dr. Shawn Domagal-Goldman
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Title: Research Space Scientist
Department: Planetary Environments Laboratory @ NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Degrees: B.S. in Phyiscs, M.S. in Geology, Ph.D. in Geosciences and Astrobiology
Role: I look at the environments on ancient Earth, when life was first getting its start on the planet. To understand these environments, I use atmospheric models to recreate data we observe in the geological and geochemical record of the planet.
Why is this project so important to you?
Early Earth is the most alien biosphere for which we have data. By studying it, we improve our understanding of how life interacts with a planetary environment. This improves our ability to look for signs of life elsewhere.
Contact Information:
Shawn Domagal-Goldman
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
8800 Greenbelt Road, Mail Stop 699.0
Greenbelt, MD 20771
[email protected]
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Title: Research Space Scientist
Department: Planetary Environments Laboratory @ NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Degrees: B.S. in Phyiscs, M.S. in Geology, Ph.D. in Geosciences and Astrobiology
Role: I look at the environments on ancient Earth, when life was first getting its start on the planet. To understand these environments, I use atmospheric models to recreate data we observe in the geological and geochemical record of the planet.
Why is this project so important to you?
Early Earth is the most alien biosphere for which we have data. By studying it, we improve our understanding of how life interacts with a planetary environment. This improves our ability to look for signs of life elsewhere.
Contact Information:
Shawn Domagal-Goldman
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
8800 Greenbelt Road, Mail Stop 699.0
Greenbelt, MD 20771
[email protected]
Name: Dr. Jennifer Stern
Research Assistants
Name: Kayla Beck
Hometown: Evansdale, IA
Major: Earth/Environmental Science
Year: Senior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: I’m excited to try working with all factions of the BETA project.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I’m very excited to gain a new perspective on the planet we all inhabit. Looking into the past can give us a greater understanding of where our future is headed.
Hometown: Evansdale, IA
Major: Earth/Environmental Science
Year: Senior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: I’m excited to try working with all factions of the BETA project.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I’m very excited to gain a new perspective on the planet we all inhabit. Looking into the past can give us a greater understanding of where our future is headed.
Name: Nicole Bishop
Hometown: Elkart, IA
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Biology
Year: Junior
Role: I'm working with Dr. Sebree on the aerosol project.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I am excited to continue the research that I started with Dr Sebree this summer and I'm excited to be the new webmaster!
Hometown: Elkart, IA
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Biology
Year: Junior
Role: I'm working with Dr. Sebree on the aerosol project.
What are you most excited about for this year?
I am excited to continue the research that I started with Dr Sebree this summer and I'm excited to be the new webmaster!
Name: Astoria Chao
Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
Future major: Biochemistry
Year: Junior in High School
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: I’m mostly interested in the aerosol or fossil group. However, I’m excited to step up to anything that needs to be done.
Why did you join this project?
I’m interested in biology and chemistry and this project’s concentration on early Earth and how life affected the atmosphere and vice versa is fascinating! I’m excited to gain experience in researching and insight on this planet’s workings.
Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
Future major: Biochemistry
Year: Junior in High School
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: I’m mostly interested in the aerosol or fossil group. However, I’m excited to step up to anything that needs to be done.
Why did you join this project?
I’m interested in biology and chemistry and this project’s concentration on early Earth and how life affected the atmosphere and vice versa is fascinating! I’m excited to gain experience in researching and insight on this planet’s workings.
Name: Juliana Herran
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Major: Chemistry B.S, Mathematics B.A, Philosophy B.A
Minor: French Interdisciplinary studies
Year: Senior+
Year on the BETA Project: 2
Role: TBD
Why did you join this project?
Interest in astrochemistry and the development of Earth was the main reason to join this project. I have previous research experience in nanoscience but I want to learn something completely different from what I have done before. I have no geology experience but I find the study of minerals, fossils and in general solid Earth necessary for a better understanding of the planet, its chemical cycles and ultimately life itself.
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Major: Chemistry B.S, Mathematics B.A, Philosophy B.A
Minor: French Interdisciplinary studies
Year: Senior+
Year on the BETA Project: 2
Role: TBD
Why did you join this project?
Interest in astrochemistry and the development of Earth was the main reason to join this project. I have previous research experience in nanoscience but I want to learn something completely different from what I have done before. I have no geology experience but I find the study of minerals, fossils and in general solid Earth necessary for a better understanding of the planet, its chemical cycles and ultimately life itself.
Name: Tray Hickie
Hometown: Marshalltown, IA
Major: Biochemistry
Year: Senior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: The chamber team
Why did you join this project?
Dr. Sebree mentioned it to me last spring, and it seemed interesting. I had previously talked with him about research, and the early Earth chamber seemed really cool to me.
Hometown: Marshalltown, IA
Major: Biochemistry
Year: Senior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: The chamber team
Why did you join this project?
Dr. Sebree mentioned it to me last spring, and it seemed interesting. I had previously talked with him about research, and the early Earth chamber seemed really cool to me.
Name: Lucas Krakow
Hometown: Marengo, IA
Major: Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology) and Environmental Sciences
Year: Junior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: At this point all 3 parts of this research have caught my attention. I am most interested in working with Dr. Sedlacek on her work pertaining to the Devonian Period, however, I am more than willing and happy to work on any part of the team.
What are you most excited about for this year?
am most excited to spend time working in the field and laboratory this year, I am extremely interested in scientific research and I am eager to gain any experience that I can obtain. I am also very excited to have the opportunity to travel with the BETA team and learn more about air quality in the past and present.
Hometown: Marengo, IA
Major: Biology (Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology) and Environmental Sciences
Year: Junior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: At this point all 3 parts of this research have caught my attention. I am most interested in working with Dr. Sedlacek on her work pertaining to the Devonian Period, however, I am more than willing and happy to work on any part of the team.
What are you most excited about for this year?
am most excited to spend time working in the field and laboratory this year, I am extremely interested in scientific research and I am eager to gain any experience that I can obtain. I am also very excited to have the opportunity to travel with the BETA team and learn more about air quality in the past and present.
Name: Courtney Massey
Hometown: Sioux City, IA
Major: Biology, Biochemistry
Minor: History
Year: Senior+
Year on the BETA Project: 2
Role: TBD
Why did you join this project?
I joined the BETA project because it seemed like an interesting project that would allow me to develop research skills while learning all about Earth in different periods throughout history.
Hometown: Sioux City, IA
Major: Biology, Biochemistry
Minor: History
Year: Senior+
Year on the BETA Project: 2
Role: TBD
Why did you join this project?
I joined the BETA project because it seemed like an interesting project that would allow me to develop research skills while learning all about Earth in different periods throughout history.
Name: Riley McMorran
Hometown: Greenfield, IA
Major: Earth Science
Minor: Geology
Year: Senior
Year on the BETA Project: 2
Role: TBD
Hometown: Greenfield, IA
Major: Earth Science
Minor: Geology
Year: Senior
Year on the BETA Project: 2
Role: TBD
Name: William Spurr
Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
Major: Earth Science and Computer Science
Year: Junior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: I’m excited about working on any of the ongoing projects. I enjoy studying geology, so I am most keen to help with Dr. Sedlacek’s research on the Devonian Period.
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project for the opportunity to participate in and learn about undergraduate research, as well as help advance our knowledge of Earth any way I can. I want to learn everything I can about the research projects I end up working with.
Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
Major: Earth Science and Computer Science
Year: Junior
Year on the BETA Project: 1
Role: I’m excited about working on any of the ongoing projects. I enjoy studying geology, so I am most keen to help with Dr. Sedlacek’s research on the Devonian Period.
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project for the opportunity to participate in and learn about undergraduate research, as well as help advance our knowledge of Earth any way I can. I want to learn everything I can about the research projects I end up working with.
Name: MacKenzie Male
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Major: Biochemistry B.A Minor: Spanish Year: Sophomore Year involved: First Why did I join this project: I joined the BETA Project because I wanted to be involved in undergraduate research and enjoy learning about how both chemistry and biology work together. This project presented opportunities on learning how the two sciences come together and it interested me. |
Name: MJ Lashbrook
Hometown: Waverly, Iowa Major: Biology Year: Senior Year involved: First Role: I am working with Dr. Sedlacek on the Devonian geology part of the project, but am interested in all facets of the BETA project. Why did I join this project: I joined this research because it is very interesting to me. I also want to be involved in as much research as possible during my undergraduate career, and this project will bring diversity and new skills to my research experience. |
Previous Members
Name: Jessica Wayson
Hometown: North Liberty, IA
Why did you join this project?
I think the topic of this project is extremely interesting! While it does focus a lot on the past, the implications of this project are massive in terms of how, as humans, we are affecting the Earth (for better or worse). Along with that, I would love to bring my experiences in science research into my future classrooms, to really help students broaden their horizons.
Hometown: North Liberty, IA
Why did you join this project?
I think the topic of this project is extremely interesting! While it does focus a lot on the past, the implications of this project are massive in terms of how, as humans, we are affecting the Earth (for better or worse). Along with that, I would love to bring my experiences in science research into my future classrooms, to really help students broaden their horizons.
Name: Steven J. Gomez
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Why do you think this project is important?
Analyzing the Earth’s atmosphere is relevant to the citizens of this planet because of its impact on the climate. By studying the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere, we can gain a better understanding of how the atmosphere impacted life on Earth from several eras ago to the present. Ultimately, we hope to determine what era we are currently in and use that information to help us know what to expect for future years to come.
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Why do you think this project is important?
Analyzing the Earth’s atmosphere is relevant to the citizens of this planet because of its impact on the climate. By studying the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere, we can gain a better understanding of how the atmosphere impacted life on Earth from several eras ago to the present. Ultimately, we hope to determine what era we are currently in and use that information to help us know what to expect for future years to come.
Name: Jose R Lopez
Hometown: Ottumwa, Iowa
Why do you think this project is important?
Studying the atmosphere is crucial due to it having a big impact in climate change, with this study we can show how the atmosphere has evolved over time. This will not only show the evolution of the atmosphere but hopefully show in what most related era we are in. Giving us a better estimate on what to expect for later years.
Hometown: Ottumwa, Iowa
Why do you think this project is important?
Studying the atmosphere is crucial due to it having a big impact in climate change, with this study we can show how the atmosphere has evolved over time. This will not only show the evolution of the atmosphere but hopefully show in what most related era we are in. Giving us a better estimate on what to expect for later years.
Name: Katie Plotzke
Hometown: Osage, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project to gain more lab experience as well as to work with a variety of different people.
Hometown: Osage, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project to gain more lab experience as well as to work with a variety of different people.
Name: Emma Shipley
Hometown: Urbandale, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined BETA because I like both history and science and this project seemed like a fun and exciting way to combine those interests.
Hometown: Urbandale, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined BETA because I like both history and science and this project seemed like a fun and exciting way to combine those interests.
Name: Claire Snyder
Hometown: Sheridan, WY
Why did you join this project?
I joined the BETA team because I thought the idea of being able to “travel” to these different periods of times through experimentation was immensely interesting. It is a great opportunity to explore periods and aspects of Earth which are not common knowledge, with the goal of developing a better understanding and appreciation for the world and its ever-changing characteristics.
Hometown: Sheridan, WY
Why did you join this project?
I joined the BETA team because I thought the idea of being able to “travel” to these different periods of times through experimentation was immensely interesting. It is a great opportunity to explore periods and aspects of Earth which are not common knowledge, with the goal of developing a better understanding and appreciation for the world and its ever-changing characteristics.
Name: Brittnie Dotson
Hometown: Gary, Indiana
Why do you think this project is important?
This project is important because STEM fields need to be encouraged more, and there needs to be more gender and ethnic diversity in these fields. Technology is prevalent in almost every aspect of daily life, and STEM knowledge and skills grow in importance as the world evolves.
Hometown: Gary, Indiana
Why do you think this project is important?
This project is important because STEM fields need to be encouraged more, and there needs to be more gender and ethnic diversity in these fields. Technology is prevalent in almost every aspect of daily life, and STEM knowledge and skills grow in importance as the world evolves.
Name: Carissa Herkelman
Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project because it was a great opportunity to learn and develop research skills.
Being my first time having a role in a research project, I am eager to learn and understand the process of research and am looking forward to finding the answers and results in this project.
Hometown: Cedar Falls, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project because it was a great opportunity to learn and develop research skills.
Being my first time having a role in a research project, I am eager to learn and understand the process of research and am looking forward to finding the answers and results in this project.
Name: Bobbi Jo Minard
Hometown: Waterloo, Iowa
Why did you join this project?
After joining Dr. Sedlacek on her field work in June, I realized how very important it is to experience my major “in the wild.” Classroom learning is important, but I know that pictures and rock samples aren’t universal representations of what I’ll be finding in the field. I want more outdoor experience, and I’m very excited to earn it.
Hometown: Waterloo, Iowa
Why did you join this project?
After joining Dr. Sedlacek on her field work in June, I realized how very important it is to experience my major “in the wild.” Classroom learning is important, but I know that pictures and rock samples aren’t universal representations of what I’ll be finding in the field. I want more outdoor experience, and I’m very excited to earn it.
Name: Katie Patrick
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Why did you join this project?
This project allows for first hand experience at scientific research. It is also a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of Iowan geology.
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Why did you join this project?
This project allows for first hand experience at scientific research. It is also a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of Iowan geology.
Name: Angela Weepie
Hometown: Oelwein, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project because I found it fascinating! I have a previous degree in Earth science, so the blend of chemistry with planetary atmospheres is a perfect fit for me.
Hometown: Oelwein, IA
Why did you join this project?
I joined this project because I found it fascinating! I have a previous degree in Earth science, so the blend of chemistry with planetary atmospheres is a perfect fit for me.