2026 Internship Opportunities

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas and the number one destroyer of ozone in the stratosphere. About 20 – 25% of the total atmospheric emissions come from the ocean and most of that source has always been assumed to be due to microbial metabolism. However, a new source has recently been discovered: Ultraviolet light catalyzes the production of nitrous oxide in surface waters, both oceanic and freshwaters (lakes and reservoirs). This process is called photochemodenitrification (PCD) and it is totally abiotic, i.e., not controlled by microbes. Its discoverer, Dr. Elizabeth Leon-Palmero, will be the lead scientist on this project, which seeks to determine the chemical mechanisms by which PCD produces N₂O.

We will 1) perform experiments in the lab using various nitrogen compounds in order to determine the substrates for PCD; 2) use lab experiments (and roof top incubations) to determine the action spectrum (i.e., the wavelength dependence of the reaction); and 3) analyze experimental samples collected on a research cruise carried out in the summer of 2025 to measure the rates of PCD in the surface waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The results will be used to parameterize a model that will allow us to estimate the magnitude of the potential N₂O flux due to PCD.

The Intern will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the project: building and calibrating an LED light system for controlled wavelength conditions; setting up and running experiments under controlled chemical and light conditions; running the experimental samples on the isotope ratio mass spectrometer to measure the amount of N₂O formed in the experiments; measuring concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen species involved in the reaction using UV/Vis spectrophotometry, plotting and analyzing the data.

The intern will learn about the mysteries of the marine nitrogen cycle, understanding the biological as well as abiotic processes involved in producing and consuming N₂O, by reading relevant scientific papers and participating in lab group meetings. Technical expertise, including precision micropipetting, handling compressed gases and transferring gaseous samples for analytical procedures, running the mass spectrometer for high precision measurements of the amount and isotopic composition of N₂O, analyzing and plotting mass spec and other data using R.

Introductory biology and chemistry

Basic computer skills, introductory level laboratory skills

A laptop is required.

• Students will meet with internship mentors in the spring, prior to the internship start date. Reading materials may also be provided.
• Students are responsible for securing accommodations for the duration of their internship. On-campus summer housing is typically available the first week of June until the first week of August (details to become available in Spring 2026). If the internship falls outside of on-campus housing availability, students will need to secure alternate housing.