Olivia Guan ’21

Major

Molecular Biology

Project Title

Abiotic Hydrogen-Gas Production from Butyl Rubber Stoppers

Presentation Link

View Olivia's Presentation

I worked in the Onstott Lab researching abiotic hydrogen production in glass bottles with butyl rubber stoppers. Butyl rubber stoppers create gas-tight seals and are thus commonly used in experiments. It would affect the results of many experiments if these stoppers were found to create background gases and reactions. I learned how to use techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) and cavity ring-down spectroscopy to measure methane levels in the vials. The gas chromatograph I used contained a reducing compound photometer (RCP) and flame ionization detector (FID) for measuring hydrogen concentrations. I got to work with faculty and graduate students on the FID’s internal mechanisms. Working in the department was a great opportunity to learn about using different machines, as well as experience the roles and responsibilities of being a researcher.



Internship Year

2018

Project Category

Water and Health

Organization(s)

Onstott Lab, Department of Geosciences, Princeton University- Princeton, New Jersey

Mentor(s)

Tullis Onstott, Professor of Geosciences; Rachel Harris, Ph.D. candidate, Geosciences