From the ancient glacial deposits of Ohio to the Arctic landscapes of Alaska, Grace Davis is exploring how microscopic organisms can reveal big stories about Earth’s history.
Through Ohio State’s Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) and under the mentorship of Dr. Alex Michaud, the microbiology student has studied microbial communities in some of Earth’s most extreme environments. Her research seeks to understand how microorganisms survive in changing polar climates and what they can reveal about past and future environmental change.
“My research explores microbiology in polar environments and how microbial communities can reveal insights into Earth’s glacial history,” Davis said.
Her independent project investigates whether microbes preserved in ancient Ohio glacial till can be used to identify the origins of past ice sheet deposits. By improving reconstructions of historical glacial environments, researchers can refine predictions about how modern ice sheets may respond to a changing climate.
In addition to her work in Ohio, Davis has gained hands-on experience studying microorganisms from Antarctica and recently conducted field research at Alaska’s Toolik Field Station. There, she contributed to projects examining microbial processes in Arctic environments and how those organisms respond to changing conditions.
Together, these experiences have provided Davis with a broader understanding of how microbial communities survive in extreme environments and what they can reveal about shifting polar ecosystems.
“What I like most about research is that it allows me to combine my passion for the environment with the science I've learned in the classroom to better understand how our world is changing,” Davis said.
For Davis, the significance of research extends beyond the laboratory. She is motivated by the idea that even small discoveries can contribute to a larger understanding of climate and environmental change.
“Knowing that my research can contribute to a better understanding of climate change and polar ecosystems makes the work feel meaningful,” she said. “Research has also shown me that even small discoveries can help build a larger picture of how Earth’s systems have changed over time and how they may continue to change in the future.”
This fall, Davis will take on a new role as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador, helping fellow Buckeyes explore opportunities to get involved in research and sharing her experiences as an undergraduate researcher.
"Research has been such a pivotal part of my undergraduate experience and has opened the door to so many incredible opportunities. I’m excited to be an Undergraduate Research Ambassador because I want to help other students take those same first steps and support them as they discover research opportunities that are meaningful to them."
Through URAP, Davis is developing the skills and experience needed to investigate complex environmental challenges while contributing to research that sheds light on both Earth's past and its changing future.