Student Vignettes

Madelyn Krischer

Madelyn Krischer

Madelyn Krischer

I attend Eckerd College, where I study marine science (geophysics track) and computer science. I enjoy hiking, exploring, camping, and reading.

I am interested in glaciology and plan to pursue a career studying ice sheets, ice flow, and the physical processes that govern how ice responds to a warming climate. I am particularly interested in how changes within ice sheets contribute to sea level rise and how these changes impact coastal communities worldwide. As climate-driven ice loss accelerates, I am motivated to better understand the mechanisms controlling ice sheet stability and their environmental consequences. Through my coursework, I have developed a strong interest in Earth system science and the interactions between climate and the cryosphere. I am especially drawn to research that connects physical processes to large-scale climate patterns, combining data analysis, modeling, and observations. I am eager to gain hands-on research experience that will allow me to explore these interests in greater depth and clarify my long-term academic direction. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to scientific research that improves predictions of sea level rise and informs responses to climate change. By advancing our understanding of ice dynamics, I aim to help address challenges that increasingly affect vulnerable communities around the world.

I am drawn to the USF Making Waves REU because it offers a valuable opportunity to engage in hands-on research within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. This will be my first research experience outside my home institution, so I am excited to work with new mentors and peers who will bring different perspectives. I believe this environment will challenge me to think more critically, communicate more effectively, and grow as a researcher. The program鈥檚 emphasis on oceanographic and climate-related research strongly aligns with my interest in understanding Earth system processes and their connection to climate change. I am interested in gaining experience working with real data and addressing open-ended research questions, as this will help me better understand how scientific knowledge is developed and applied. Additionally, participating in this program will provide additional mentorship, professional development, and exposure to graduate-level research expectations. These experiences are essential as I prepare for a future in graduate school and a career in research. Overall, I see this program as an important step in developing the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to pursue my goals in glaciology.