Organic Geochemistry Research Project
Hi all,
I am a senior geology major at a well-known American university. Before I was a geology major I studied chemistry, and have a strong background in organic synthesis (at an undergraduate level). Now that I am in my final year, I have been looking for a senior thesis project. Because of my background in organic chemistry, my advising professor has asked if I would like to conduct a paleoenvironmental study on some samples of Holocene lacustrine sediment. I have been doing some background research, and found that there have been a lot of paleoenvironment studies based on the use of biomarkers. I was wondering if anyone here has any insight about taking on a project that would use the organic (lipid/oil) biomarkers of a sediment sample, to determine its paleoenvironment? I do have a decent research budget for an undergraduate (1500$), and access a number of analytical chemistry instruments (i.e. GC-MS, Elemental Analyzers and NMR). I also have a fairly clear-cut procedure for extraction and purification based on the literature, but I am concerned about being able to produce research grade results. If any one has any tips or suggestions I would be very thankful.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
The Undergrad.
