Kristen Iriarte
The College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Dear National Science Foundation,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the generous funding which has allowed me to participate in the 2002 Research Training Program. Working at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum is most definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that has and will undoubtedly forward my career in science. This learning experience has opened my eyes to not only other possibilities for study within my field, but also to the many possibilities for interdisciplinary work.
My research this summer was on a pyroclastic flow of Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica, which took place on August 23, 2000. Unfortunately two people were killed in the incident, and I was interested in whether or not this could have been prevented. Using an electron microprobe and seismic data, my study compared other volcanic events to the August 23rd event in hopes that there would be a specific clue to the prediction of these flows.
The Smithsonian Institution has allowed me to grow as both a geologist and a scientist this summer. Through the RTP program, its lectures and trips, I have learned so much about the possibilities for future research. Without your generosity, I would not have had the opportunity to meet people so motivated about discovering the world around them, with the unique energy to want to share this desire. These ten weeks have allowed me to work in a world-class research facility with equally as distinguished scientists and for this I thank you.
Sincerely,
Kristen Iriarte
Research Training Program, 2002