The Sierra Nevada Research Institute’s Environmental Analytical Laboratory (EAL) may be a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, but it’s also a hands-on learning environment for Cyle Moon. The environmental engineering sophomore analyzes melted snow samples collected from Greenland to determine different types of ions, such as sodium and potassium, present in the water.“Measuring those ions can determine the level of contaminants and pollution found and whether they are high or low,” Moon explained. That, in turn, can give researchers insight into factors that affect water resources.
Moon works with professor Roger Bales, director of SNRI and a professor in the School of Engineering. A lot of Bales’ research involves how climate change affects water resources. Moon started working in the lab last summer after taking one of Bales’ classes during his freshman year.
“It’s been a great opportunity,” he said. “I get to do everything – lab work, data analysis and field work.”
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