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A Q&A With Ingenuity Intern Hang Chen2 min read

by Julie Bobyock on August 4, 2022

Energy Geosciences Division Q and A

After excelling in the sciences throughout high school and his undergraduate program, 2022 Ingenuity intern Hang Chen realized he wasn’t just good at science – he enjoyed it. Chen received his Bachelor’s degree in geophysics from Central South University in China, and is a current geophysics Ph.D. candidate at Boise State University in Idaho. Chen quickly learned that geophysics is “a tool to be applied to other areas of science and environmental issues,” leading him to EESA to apply his background to nuclear waste storage and contamination.

What led you to earth sciences specifically?

In the first year of my undergraduate degree, we had a geology field class. My professor took us into the mountains to show and quiz us on different types of rocks and faults. Other classes involved a lot of computer and lab time – but this course was outside – and fun! It showed me how interesting the earth sciences are, and that I definitely don’t want to be in the office all the time.

Also, geophysics is not just one topic, and that really interests me. I like taking classes in the math, physics, chemistry, and geology departments. This subject is really a combination of fundamental science that can be applied to so many things.

How has this experience at Berkeley Lab helped you develop your career in science? 

I have learned so much this summer. There are very few research groups studying hydrogeophysics in the United States, but one of the biggest groups is here at Berkeley Lab! I have read papers written by scientists here almost every day for my Ph.D., so this internship has been an amazing opportunity to collaborate and learn. In a Ph.D. program, you may work with one professor in one area – but at Berkeley Lab, there are many projects along with the opportunity to collaborate with so many different people. Also, my mentor here, Dr. Yuxin Wu, has a large research group with varied research projects. Every Friday, we have a group meeting where I learn from other people’s research and gain new knowledge.

Is there anything that’s surprised you about the Bay Area? 

Surprisingly, it’s actually kind of cold in summer! It’s also very diverse – I live in the International House on the University of California, Berkeley’s campus, so there are people from different countries and cultures. I’ve hung out with so many people – I love seeing new faces and making friends! 

News & Events

A Q&A With Ingenuity Intern Toshiyuki Bandai2 min read

After 2022 Ingenuity Intern Toshiyuki Bandai studied soil physics in his Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the University of Tokyo in Japan, he was eager to learn even more about soil and apply his knowledge to other areas in environmental science. As a current Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Merced, he is continuing…

A Q&A With Ingenuity Intern Elijah Adeniyi2 min read

Equipped with a Master’s degree in geology, 2022 Ingenuity Intern Elijah Adeniyi has been eager to apply his background to new areas of environmental science. “Taking on new challenges and learning,” Adeniyi stated, “is what science is all about.” As a Ph.D. student at Montana State University, Adeniyi is continuing to study geology and has…

Daniel Stolper Selected by DOE’s Early Career Research Program2 min read

June 22, 2022

Daniel Stolper is among five Berkeley Lab researchers to receive funding through the Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Program (ECRP), and is one of just 83 nationwide to be selected this year by the DOE for this prestigious award. Stolper is an EESA faculty scientist with a joint appointment at UC Berkeley, where he…

Wageningen Students Visit Ecology Department Team2 min read

On May 31, a delegation of students from Wageningen University & Research Center (WUR) Microbiology and Systems Biology Groups in the Netherlands came to visit EESA’s Ecology department. WUR is a highly esteemed world-class Dutch university that trains specialists in a variety of life sciences disciplines. WUR’s research and teaching activities range from sustainable agriculture…

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