Today the teams presented our poster projects to a variety of scholars. We gave groups the run down about eight different times and were asked some very engaging question by some participants. After all the work that was put into collecting our data I am happy to see that our results allow us to reconstruct a very interesting history of our peatland and we are able to make some valuable conclusions.
However the presentations were the easy part today, where the true task came in was saying peace out to members of the team. Diana made our internship a very pleasant one while Emi helped evolve our writing styles and prepare us for scientific writing. Wayne always brought cheer and kindness to the table and carried many heavy items through the bog that god knows would’ve sunk me. Zach kept us moving while Adrienne made us laugh. Phil offered a friendly approach to mentoring that allowed us to create a great connection with him while simultaneously learning more than we ever expected to, when Phil was there you knew it would be a good day. And Christa was our teacher, without her our research would’ve become stagnant as the interns ran around in circles of confusion. She was our ride to the grocery store and our friend to watch horror movies with. She taught me most of what I learned this summer and I am confident she will have profound influence on more students throughout her career. Peace out team Zagaa’igan, I have to get back to North Carolina now.
Alec Keiper