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Faces of GIAR: Lauren Jonas

January 29, 2025

FACES_GIAR_2024_promo_lauren_jonas

Grant: $1,000 in Fall 2022

Education level at the time of the grant: PhD student

Project Description: 

My project investigated how microbes can be used to mitigate harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Carbon can be removed from fossil fuel smoke by microorganisms through photosynthesis and then converted into a stable solid in the form of calcium carbonate. For my doctoral research, I investigated which bacteria and enzymes contribute to this process. 

How did the grant process or the project itself influence you as a scientist/researcher?

In 2022, I received a Fulbright fellowship to travel to Bogotá, Colombia, and conduct research at Universidad de los Andes. While there, I grew microalgal-bacterial cultures with simulated fossil fuel gas and learned new skills in analyzing enzymatic activity. Funding from Sigma Xi’s GIAR program helped me purchase the supplies needed for these carbon capture experiments. My experience in Colombia took place during the third year of my PhD, which is a crucial time to learn new research skills and set up larger experiments. With support from Sigma Xi, I was able to make the most of my time in an international laboratory, build connections with scientists in my field, and gain molecular biology skills that are valuable for me to continue my research. 

What advice would you give to future applicants?

People often do not apply for funding because they feel like their proposals aren’t “ready.” My advice is to apply anyway, even if you just have hypotheses and proposed methods. You do not necessarily need supporting data or proof of concept. I have been rejected from many grants and fellowships. But even after a rejection, you can often apply again the following year. My advice is to do your best to write a strong proposal and throw your hat into the ring. There’s nothing to lose!

Students may apply for Sigma Xi research grants by March 15 and October 1 annually at www.sigmaxi.org/giar.

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