Stella Szostak ’26, Geosciences

Stella Szostak ’26

Major

Geosciences

Project Title

Examining Paleoclimatic Influences Underlying Pleistocene-Holocene Mammalian Dietary Ecology and Trophic Positioning in Mainland Southeast Asia

Minor(s): Archaeology, Spanish

I assisted in an experiment tracking diagenetic uptake of trace elements in biominerals by soaking modern teeth and eggshells in synthetic soils spiked with various elements of interest. These experiments will allow us to better interpret paleoclimate and paleoecology in fossils. Specifically, I learned how to run the multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) and the TripleQuad laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). Additionally, I dremeled eggshell samples to prepare for dissolution and measurement of calcium isotopes on the MC-ICP-MS and I measured the lengths of laser tracks using a stereo-microscope for reduction and interpretation of LA-ICPMS data. This work inspired me to design and collect samples for my own multi-day experiment with backyard chickens to track the impact of diet and water on primary eggshell composition. I also assisted with field collection of soil, water and plant samples in Oklahoma, South Dakota and Montana to compare primary signals in modern bison teeth with environmental contexts. By enabling me to learn essential geochemical lab and field skills and teaching me about the applications of stable isotope geochemistry to paleoecology, paleoenvironment and archaeological studies, this internship has set me up to begin my first independent research project.