Heather K. McCarren
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Dear National Science Foundation,
The experiences and invaluable opportunities presented to me as a participant in the Smithsonian Institution’s Research Training Program for Undergraduate students have been truly life altering. As I am sure you have come across these words more than once before, perhaps I should tell you a little bit about my own personal adventures in science here at the National Museum of Natural History. Within the broadly reaching field of geological sciences, I have found a unique opportunity to explore mineralogy, chemistry, physics, biology, and many other geologically significant topics like sedimentology and stratigraphy. However, prior to my arrival at the National Museum of Natural History, it has been a challenge to envision an actual place where experts and students from all of these widely ranging disciplines could congregate under one roof for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.”
Second only to the vast body of experience and sense of camaraderie that
reverberate through every hall, no matter how massive, is an innate and unshakable
electrical current of curiosity that permeates to the core of every researcher
here. Having been struck with this inexorable drive towards inquisition, I
too find myself rapt with arm submerged to the elbow in a tank of alcohol
touching the scaly armor of the mysterious and beautiful coelacanth. Encounters
like this have been simply too numerous to mention, but I probably should
tell you that I had the occasion to hold a piece of Mars once or twice!
Aside from the exciting and educational curriculum of the program, I have
fulfilled a dream to conduct micropaleontological research within the heart
of the Cushman collections (a pilgrimage all foram workers must make at least
once in their lifetime), among the collections that have almost as much historical
significance as scientific value. This has been an incredible chance to explore
research topics such as the taxonomy and biometric analysis of foraminifera,
topics that are not necessarily emphasized at my home institution. Where better
to do this research than the largest repository of foraminiferan type specimens
in the world? Who better to guide me in this research than the scientists
charged with this responsibility to classify, understand, and explore? I cannot
ever thank you enough for providing me with the means to take advantage of
this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Sincerely,
Heather K. McCarren
Research Training Program, 2002