July 21, 2023

Grant: $1,000 in Fall 2020

Education level at the time of the grant: PhD student

Project Description: 
The project sought to investigate how certain coral species interact with methane seeps in the deep sea. By receiving this grant, I was able to collaborate with researchers from other laboratories and complete more detailed analysis with advanced microanalytical techniques that otherwise would not have been possible.

How did the grant process or the project itself influence you as a scientist/researcher?
My first application was not accepted, but this caused me to go back and review my proposal in detail to make adjustments. Being able to take a step back and review how I describe my work to others, especially those not in my field, has influenced how I have applied for other grants and how I write manuscripts.

Where are you now? 
I am a fifth year PhD candidate at Temple University in Philadelphia. I plan to graduate in the next year and am now looking for a postdoctoral position.

Students may apply for Sigma Xi research grants by March 15 and October 1 annually at www.sigmaxi.org/giar.