Grace K. Williams
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, Environmental Science
Contact Info
Lawrence
2099 Constant Ave.
Lawrence, KS 66047
Biography —
I am currently an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science at the University of Kansas. After I graduate this May, I will continue my education at Oklahoma State University as a graduate research assistant studying Soil Microbiology. I first became passionate about the environment when I went on a mission trip to Buffalo New York and helped create sustainable products for the impoverished city of Buffalo. Leading with my passion for the environment, I was able to find my niche in soil microbiology from working at the City of Lawrence’s compost. During my time at the compost, I was solely in charge of each compost pile and measuring the levels of nutrients, microbes, and moisture in each pile. Outside of my education, I am a member of Greek life on campus.
Education —
Research —
Working at the Soil Analyses Service Center I work with instrumentation and equipment that allow me to analyze the total Carbon and Nitrogen in soil and plant material. The Thermo Flash Smart Elemental Analyzer allows me to analyze the %C and %N in soil and plant material. The CN analyzer oxidizes this organic matter at very high temperatures. Working at the service center I have also used equipment that analyzes nitrate-N (NO3 -N), nitrite-N (NO2-N), ammonium-N (NH4-N), and ortho-phosphate (PO4-P) in water and soil extracts. The OI analytic Flow Solution machine measures liquid samples such as water for ammonium NH4+, nitrite/nitrate (NO2-/NO3-), or nitrite (NO2-) only.
Working for the Baer Lab, I have many different lab and field responsibilities. some of my lab tasks include processing soil samples for NC analysis and processing plants and soil for microbial and biomass measurements. Fieldwork responsibilities include installing rainout shelters, taking soil samples, and recording plant surveys.
Selected Presentations —
CLIMATE AND CLIMATE JUSTICE TEACH-IN, CREATING CLIMATE COURSE CATALOG AT KU, EVRN CAPSTONE CLASS
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM, CREATING CLIMATE COURSE CATALOG AT KU, EVRN CAPSTONE CLASS CONTRACTS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, OR OTHER FUNDED ACTIVITY: RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY UNDER DR. DENG
Memberships —
Kappa Delta Sorority, 2018-present