Haley Brumberger BA/MA '21 took a photo through a microscope during the Wesleyan Summer Science Research Project in 2019. The image is of tiny crustaceans called ostracods in the sediments of volcanic lakes in Oregon. She served as a summer Researchers participated in the comprehensive science project. The image first won the summer research of the 2019 Science Image Competition, and then won the Micro Paleontology Society (TMS) Image Competition this year. They announced her victory on Twitter and through images sold through RedBubble.

Before studying for the Earth and Environmental Science BA/MA course, Brumberger majored in Earth and Environmental Science and English, and minored in Integrated Design, Engineering and Applied Science (IDEAS). She conducted research with Harold T. Stearns Professor of Integrated Science. Len Thomas and John Varekamp.

"My main responsibility is to select, count and analyze microscopic ostracod petals from core and surface sample sediments," Brumberger explained. "We use our analysis—including ostracod counts, stable isotope geochemistry, and bulk sediment geochemistry—to help us determine the potential for ostracod populations (and lake ecosystems) in relation to volcanic ash and fluid input. Elasticity under changing environmental conditions."

Bruberg explained in detail how her images of ostracods are related to her work. These ostracods are like shrimps and are very microscopic.

"[Picture shows] A well-organized ostracod made of calcium carbonate, secreted by tiny crustaceans (relatives of shrimp) living in Lake Paulina, which is a double-sided valve located south of Newbury Volcano. One of the crater lakes. Bend, Oregon," Bruberg said. "This slide represents countless hours of staring at the dual lens of a Zeiss stereo microscope, equipped with only a small paintbrush and a small bottle of water. The edge of the dime is just for zooming."

She is happy about the images that have won multiple awards and emphasized how effective it is for her to combine science and creativity.

"It means that someone looked at my photo and thought it was as cool and funny as me," she said. "In addition, it took me a long time to arrange the interstitial petals on the slide like this, and it was really great to appreciate it in an aesthetic way (except in a scientific way)!"

Bruberg, who is applying for a doctoral program in the field of earth and environmental sciences, hopes to work as a professor or as a museum, where she can conduct research and help others understand the field.

"I have also always dreamed (through collaboration with a scientific illustrator or alone, because I have some artistic abilities) a high school level graphic novel or infographic series on some basic earth science topics, if only to expose a young population to Their miracles," Bruberg explained. "Basically, because I am full of enthusiasm and excitement about the research I have completed and will be conducting, I believe I have a responsibility to attract and inspire others (scientists and non-scientists) to the best of my ability!"

She also reiterated the importance of making scientific information accessible to everyone.

"Because scientific truths exist regardless of whether people actively participate in or oppose scientific truths. Scientists must work hard to break the barriers between scientific literature and the public's understanding of science and scientific processes," Bruberg said. "I think scientific research is conducted. One of the main components should be'doing translation work', which can take the form of'simple English' abstracts, short videos, cartoons or other forms that are usually easier to understand.-and yes-very attractive to non-experts... It’s somewhere between the published scientific literature and popular science articles."