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I found out about URSA through my advisor, Dr. Margaret Darrow, while working under her for other research related jobs in a lab setting. She approached me about a potential opportunity to pursue my own project under her guidance that related to geohazards. When I found out the project was about the recent landslide in Wrangell, I was excited to learn there was a way I could help find answers into what may have caused this slide. I also had an amazing opportunity this summer in Haines, Alaska where I completed fieldwork. While in Haines, it was apparent what an impact these large landslides had on the community. Residents lost homes, friends and family, and suffered mentally. Being there and understanding the trauma that a small community like Haines experienced motivated me to pursue this project for Wrangell. As landslides in Southeast Alaska are ramping up, residents deserve answers to ensure where they live is safe.

How does your URSA project relate to your career or personal goals?

Throughout this project, I have been able to gain technical skills that directly relate to my degree program and life. For example, a few of the skills I have picked up have been the use of GIS software, data interpretation, sanding, and coping with setbacks. The use of GIS software proficiency is important because GIS allows us to take complicated data sets and present them in a way that can be understood by everyone. Part of that resonates with how data is interpreted. It is important to understand what you are working with, how it relates to the answers you are trying to find, and how you can take that information and present it publically. Although I am no expert sander, it has been nice to understand how to properly use power tools. Sanding is a basic carpentry skill that I was never taught until I began sanding tree slabs. I also believe that URSA has given me a sense of completion and pride in the work I do. It is nice to know that this data has the potential to help others in their research down the road in addition to the community of Wrangell.

I think my one piece of advice would have to be to keep an open mind. Research is a very dynamic field with several moving parts and lots of variables. It is likely that something you were expecting to come through won't. It is important to communicate with your mentor about any discrepancies you experience and work on finding a solution. Something that also relates to keeping an open mind is to use your resources. I came into this project expecting to stay focused in the scope of engineering, however I have received support from all sorts of unlikely sources! From Eric in the wood shop, to a retired biologist helping me with scanning tree slabs-- I never would have expected such breadth in this project. Never be afraid to reach out and ask an expert in a field that may not have any relation to yours. There are so many amazing people out there willing to help.