Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Kara-Leah Smittle

Climate Impacts on Sierra Nevada Meadow Ecohydrology

High-altitude meadows in the Sierra Nevada act as critical natural reservoirs, yet their ability to store water depends on a complex balance of plant life and land shape. This summer I will work to quantify how these factors control groundwater flow. I will synthesize five years of field data to uncover the scientific drivers of water availability that are essential for long-term meadow preservation. My work will culminate in a presentation at the Ecological Society of America’s annual meeting.

 

Message To Sponsor

I am very grateful for your support, which allows me to continue my research involvement through the summer. This funding is essential for me to build upon a year of data analysis and finally see the results of my work come to life. I am honored to help uncover the scientific drivers that will help protect these vital ecosystems.