In January 2021, I worked on a project under Professor Shuhei Ono and my grad student mentor Ellen Lalk in Earth Science, where I helped build equipment to capture methane emissions from freshwater lakes. These methane samples were used to benchmark new technology measuring ratios of isotopologues — molecules containing one or more isotopes, such as CH3D, — which can determine the origin of methane emissions. I modeled and 3-D printed parts to connect the funnel to the collection chamber. Design requirements for these devices were to be under 30 lbs, so that they could be supported by 12″ buoys in the field without sinking, to be waterproof, and to be rust- and wear-proof for a period of several months. I built 8 methane capture devices which were deployed for over 6 months in Mystic Lake.
Amber Velez 