Thoughts from a newcomer......

Observation through a new set of eyes is often a valued and unique experience.  We asked Chris Schiller, the newest member of the lab to jot down a few words about his first few weeks here at the MSU Paleoecology Lab.  

"I really ought to thank the folks in the lab since, while transitioning into Bozeman and MSU has had its complications, the lab has been more welcoming than I could have hoped for. Certainly 710 isn't at all like the foram and stream ecology labs I came from in South Dakota --some of the equipment could be used for making shoes, for all I know--, so at this point I hope to live up to the expectations in a lab that appears so well-organized, well-run, and staffed with great people.Thank you James, Cathy, and everyone else for setting me up with a place to work and getting me on the on the ground running!"   -Chris Schiller

Thanks Chris!  

Many of you out there may remember your first impression of the lab.  Feel free to share your memories in the comments area below.  

Welcome Chris Schiller!

The MSU Paleoecology Lab welcomes a new masters student, Chris Schiller.  He obtained a B.S. in Geology from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  He'll be working on the Yellowstone Lake Project.  Welcome Chris!

Lab floor wax

The lab got a nice new wax job!  Thanks MSU Facilities!

Fun new tool

Learning new pollen types is a fun, but arduous process.  The MSU Paleoecology Lab recently acquired a new tool that will make it much easier for palynologists to learn.  The dual scope allows two people to view the same slide.  A neat feature is the "pointer" giving one person the ability to point to specific objects on the slide. 

Notes from the field: Argentina

Paleoecology Lab Director, Dr. Cathy Whitlock and Ph.D student Buzz Nanavati hit the skies this last week for the southern hemisphere.  They are traveling to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina for a conference titled "Modeling past and present vegetation dynamics in Patagonia forest-steppe".  Those gathered are from the fields of ecosystem modeling, paleoecology, and archaeology.  Buzz has shared some beautiful photos of the area.

The region around Bariloche.

The view from Buzz's room in Bariloche!

After the conference, Buzz and Dr. Whitlock will embark on a field excursion to retrieve lake sediment cores for Buzz's Ph.D dissertation.  Check back for more notes from the field!