Erin S. Doak
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC
Dear National Science Foundation,
Ten months ago I never would have imagined participating in a program that catered to the educational development of undergraduate students through research experiences in a world-renowned center of scientific achievement. Only ten weeks ago, upon meeting my colleagues and advisor, I never would have imagined the close friendships I would develop and the things I would learn, not just in the laboratory, but through daily interaction with these wonderful people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the past ten weeks of this experience and for all the future times when I will use the knowledge that I have gained from the RTP Program.
My research was centered on the igneous petrology of northern Skye, an island in the northwest corner of Scotland associated with the volcanic activity that transpired during the opening of the North Atlantic. Olivine crystals within 12 picrite dikes were analyzed with the aid of an electron microprobe to determine chemical compositions within their cores. These data were then compared to each other and the dike suite was determined to be homogeneous. The chemical data was then crosschecked with those from other picrite minor intrusions in the vicinity, and I propose that similar origins and times of emplacement relate several of these groups. I hope to continue this research and submit it to the Geology Department of Appalachian State University for my undergraduate thesis at the end of this year.
This program has allowed me to grasp an understanding of what it means to commit yourself to project and to roll with the punches concerning both victories and defeats. The opportunity to work alongside the scientists of the mineral sciences department and with the state-of-the-art equipment they have at their disposal has been invaluable. The friendships and knowledge I have gained will be an asset to me throughout my career. Once again, thank you for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Erin S. Doak
Research Training Program, 2002