Biological Sciences Students Trek Through Peru for Research Expedition
Biological Sciences Major Pursues Paleoecology Research
Molly Kingston, a biological sciences major, joined Dr. Mark Bush on his yearly summer expedition to Peru. The goal of the research trip was to visit two lakes and take sediment core samples for paleoecology research.
After obtaining permits, acquiring horses and hiking for almost seven hours, the team finally reached their destination—Laguna Huayabamba.
The lake was deeper than they had imagined, so acquiring their sediment core samples was a challenge. After many attempts, and almost ready to pack it in, the team gave it one more try and was able to pull a 2 m long tube full of sediment from a 50 m lake.
They were rewarded with some pretty interesting finds—including ancient wall paintings, brick structures built into cave walls and a cave filled with mummies. #NBD
“With several cores under our belts and the experience of a lifetime, I will forever be grateful for the experience that made me push my limits and that taught me new things,” said Kingston.
Kingston documented her paleoecology research expedition for Ecology of the Past where you can read more about her trip of a lifetime https://ecologyofthepast.info/2017/08/25/an-undergraduate-eye-view-of-an-andean-lake-coring-expedition-2/.
