Environmental Science MS
ENSCI Student Explores Conventional Fertilizer Alternatives at UC Santa Cruz
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Lucas Raymond, a current graduate student in the Environmental Science Master's program, is completing his 400-hour internship project as part of his Professional Science Master's (PSM) requirement at UC Santa Cruz under the Next Gen Fellowship Program.
We recently touched base with Lucas to learn more about his PSM project and overall experience as a CSUMB graduate student. Check out his interview below!
What organization are you working with on your PSM internship?
The Kapuscinski - Sarker Lab Group at UC Santa Cruz
What is your title in this internship role?
USDA NextGen Fellow
In 3 - 4 sentences, describe the work you are doing at your internship site.
I am researching the potential for freshwater aquaculture byproducts to be used as an alternative to conventional fertilizers. This past summer, I conducted a field trial and aided in a parallel greenhouse trial assessing the efficacy of aquaculture wastewater fertigation in green onions. I am currently in the process of analyzing green onion samples using atomic emission spectroscopy to compare the elemental composition of green onions fertigated with aquaculture wastewater to green onions fertigated with conventional organic fertilizers.
Who is your faculty advisor?
Dr. Jennifer Duggan
In a few sentences, how is your project contributing to your professional goals?
This project has given me an opportunity to be in charge of a research experiment in all stages, from the literature review to experimental planning and design, all the way through to writing up my results. This experience has significantly increased my confidence in leading and conducting scientific research.
What is your favorite part about being a graduate student at CSUMB?
The faculty - all of the ENSCI professors are excellent teachers and resources, and will always go out of their way to help you succeed.
Have you received any scholarships, external funding, awards, or have been published (etc.) while pursuing your master's degree?
Yes. My project funding was provided by the USDA NextGen Grant.
How did you discover this opportunity?
I found out about this internship opportunity from my advisor, Dr. Duggan. To any students searching for internship or research opportunities, it's always a good idea to stay in touch with your advisor or any professors you think do interesting work - they are usually the first ones to find out about cool opportunities!
What are your plans after graduate school?
I am currently applying to PhD programs and aim to work as a research scientist for a government agency or university-affiliated research institute.
Congratulations on this incredible opportunity, Lucas! We look forward to seeing where your professional and academic endeavors take you.