This fall, Jen Reeve ’14 will begin studying chemical oceanography at the University of Victoria in Canada. In addition to taking classes and working as a teaching assistant, Reeve will be working on a research project studying denitrification in the open ocean. Denitrification is the process of converting nitrogen and nitrogen compounds into nitrogen gas. Since the presence of nitrogen limits biological growth, a better understanding of this process will allow researchers to construct more accurate models of marine life. The project, says Reeve, is about becoming “better at predicting the big picture by better understanding the smaller processes.”
Reeve grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent a lot of time on the ocean: boating, sailing, kayaking, and tidepooling. She later developed an interest in chemical oceanography through her freshman chemistry professor and thesis advisor, Helen White, who helped Reeve apply to graduate schools and referred her to her future mentor at the University of Victoria.
The next step will be securing a student visa and moving across the border. “I’m ready to focus in and start trying to tackle important research questions,” says Reeve.
—Sam Fox ’14
“Where They’re Headed” is a blog series reporting on the post-Haverford plans of members of the Class of 2014.