EES Student Spotlight: PhD Candidate Caroline Weidner

 

Caroline Weidner is one of EES’s PhD students studying hydrology.  She came to Michigan State University excited to do a combination of fieldwork, lab work, and computational work - all while enjoying Michigan's nature! 

Caroline is currently working on two projects in Augusta Creek in southwestern Michigan. The first uses high-frequency in-situ sensors that monitor dissolved organic carbon, nitrate, and other water quality parameters at two wetland sites and one stream site. The second project is a synoptic sampling campaign of the Augusta Creek catchment, where samples are gathered at 28 locations every two weeks. Over 1100 samples have been collected so far! 

While at MSU, Caroline Weidner has had some great opportunities, including finding a new interest in wetland science and the frogs that hang out there.  She has been able to present her research at various conferences, including in Australia at The Society for Fresh Water Science Conference.  While working with her advisor, Dr. Jay Zarnetske, she has learned that when faced with hardship, it is better to just keep moving because even small progress is still progress.  Things will not always go as planned - batteries fail, sensors break, equipment malfunctions - but it is how you move forward and learn to solve problems that is important.

When asked what she would say to students considering this program, her response was “There are many great opportunities to take advantage of, and the department has many hardworking individuals to help support and inspire you.”

When Caroline is not out enjoying Michigan’s wetland scenery during fieldwork, she enjoys landscape painting, baking, and spending time with her two cats.