Position Description:

Deep in earth history, rocks deposited at the bottom of the ocean contain an odd chemical signature that has gone the last 20+ years without a robust, full interpretation. What is known is that these effects (called mass independent sulfur isotope signatures, or S-MIF) were likely generated in an atmosphere containing no O2 gas, and as such, serve as a powerful marker of ancient atmospheric composition and the ensuing rise of oxygenic photosynthesis. In this project, we will try to begin to solve this puzzle through reading the primary literature, extracting data sets, and working with that published data to evaluate what other chemical or sedimentological signals correlate with these S-MIF values. This project will thus be part data entry, part data science, with some coding and statistics along the way.

Duration: 3 weeks (January 4 - 22, 2021)

Work Hours: 6-7 hours/week (for a total of 20 hours)

Pay Rate: $15/hour

Numbe of Positions Available: 2

Qualifications/Requirements:

• no prior experience in the field is necessary

• interest in the Earth

• computer

• internet access

• complete a survey at the end of the project

All necessary software, data, and instructions will be provided.

Opportunities to Explore the EPS Department:

The student will be fully assimilated into Johnston lab activities, Slack threads, reading groups, etc. At the outset, all members of the group will have a conversation about inclusivity and communicating needs and expectations.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preferences will be given to rising sophomores and first year students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.

The application has closed on December 15th, 2020.

Students Hired: Aditya David Wirawan (first year), Chase Van Amburg (first year), Raisha Rahman (sophomore), Anika Allen (first year), Gorham Partington (sophomore)