Student Blogs & Vignettes

Alexis Vargas

Alexis Vargas

ABOUT MY RESEARCH

While at 新澳门六合彩内幕信息CMS, I plan to study marine science for my master鈥檚 degree. My research with Dr. Patrick Rafter will focus on paleoceanography, specifically examining how physical ocean processes have affected Earth鈥檚 climate over the past 10,000 years. Paleoclimatologists use various proxies, such as corals, trees, and marine bivalves, to assess past environmental conditions. Understanding the planet鈥檚 historical climate variability is crucial for predicting future changes. My thesis will use Foraminifera, single-celled carbonate-shelled organisms, as a proxy to gain insight into the deep-sea circulation patterns of the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Why 新澳门六合彩内幕信息CMS?

My alma mater, Eckerd College, is located in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, and near 新澳门六合彩内幕信息College of Marine Science. One reason why I am attending 新澳门六合彩内幕信息CMS is because of my familiarity and love of St. Pete as a Gulf Coast native. A few of my Eckerd professors are alumni of 新澳门六合彩内幕信息CMS and are direct evidence of USF鈥檚 dedication to excellent scientific development. This was also clear to me during recruitment events, where I could interact with other graduate students and professors to learn about the master鈥檚 program. By witnessing the extensive support system at 新澳门六合彩内幕信息CMS, I know I can effectively refine my research skills and grow as a professional scientist. 新澳门六合彩内幕信息CMS showcased there are opportunities at every turn of a student鈥檚 academic journey, especially with a vast network of research facilities, such as Florida Institute of Oceanography, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and United States Geological Survey.