Lab Members
Principle Investigator
![Dr. Sunita R. Shah Walter](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2020/09/SRSW-photo.jpg)
Graduate Students
![Leland Wood](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2023/09/IMG_7734-683x1024.jpg)
Leland Wood
PhD Student, Oceanography
I am a marine biogeochemist most interested in hydrothermal systems. I apply various molecular tools including compound specific radiocarbon, bulk isotopic, FTICR-MS, and GC-MS to study how carbon is transformed and cycled though microbial communities. My current projects investigate the bioavailability of hydrothermally altered organic carbon in both a high temperature, sedimented vent system (Guaymas Basin) and a cool crustal aquifer (North Pond). This past summer, I attend the International Geobiology Couse at PSU, where we got to spend two weeks in Italy studying caves, hot springs, and some rocks from the OAE! Originally from the Oregon Coast, I was an undergraduate at the University of Washington in Seattle. Outside of lab, I enjoy exploring the local outdoors, climbing, and playing in the community orchestra.
![Kaleigh Block](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2023/09/K_marsh-e1694723003176-768x1024.jpg)
![Sawyer Hilt](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2024/03/IMG_5570-b1edb4a476589eb3.jpg)
Sawyer Hilt
MS Student, Oceanography
After studying the temperature records contained within stable oxygen isotope values in clam shells during my bachelor’s degree, I became interested in the use of stable isotopes as a way to understand biogeochemical processes. My master’s project here at UD focuses on the use of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes to understand the sources and transformations of organic carbon within salt marshes and the lower Delaware Bay. Using bulk stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values as a proxy for organic matter sources, I hope to determine the significance of salt marsh vegetation to the organic matter within both sedimentary and particulate organic matter in the Delaware Bay. Outside of work I enjoy gaming, cooking, hitting the gym, and maintaining my freshwater shrimp tank.
Undergraduates
Lab Alumni
![amy arbetman](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2023/09/IMG_7950-e1694794031661-150x150.jpg)
amy arbetman
REU 2023
![Justin Guider](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2020/09/Justin-mud-150x150.jpg)
Justin Guider
M.Sc. 2022, Lab Technician 2023
![Dr. Alina Ebling](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2020/09/20170511_133847-150x150.jpg)
Dr. Alina Ebling
Lab Manager 2022-2023
![Matt Hicks](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2023/09/MHicksFieldPhoto-150x150.jpg)
Matt Hicks
UD Summer Scholars 2022
![Alex Rubin](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2020/09/chicken-of-the-sea_small-150x150.png)
Alex Rubin
Marine Sciences 2020-2021
![ethan goulart](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2023/09/EGoulartFieldPhoto-150x150.jpg)
ethan goulart
REU 2020
![Sarah Bartoloni](https://sites.udel.edu/suni/files/2020/09/SarahB-1-150x150.jpg)
Sarah Bartoloni
REU 2019