Alyssa Radakovich, a graduate research assistant working with Environmental Engineering Professor Yu (Frank) Yang, has been accepted into the Distinguished Graduate Research Program at Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. This competitive program is designed to grow research collaborations and develop a select cohort of doctoral students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. She will be starting in the program in June and will complete her degree at the PNNL campuses in Richland and Sequim, Washington.
Radakovich, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in hydrogeology, studies pyrogenic organic carbon — tiny particles of burned materials left behind after wildfires — and how those particles move through the environment and effect important ecosystem functions like greenhouse gas emissions. She also investigates pollution at old military sites on Unalaska Island in Alaska, studying how those pollutants move through the environment and how they might affect plants, animals and people.
Here, she shares a little about her work and how the Distinguished Graduate Research Program fits into that.
Q: You studied chemistry at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa (where you also played varsity soccer.) How did that lead to your current interest in hydrogeology?
My lifelong interest in nature, combined with my chemistry studies at Grinnell College, naturally guided me toward environmental science. Discovering the hydrology program at the 推荐杏吧原创 — and specifically working with Dr. Yang — enabled me to integrate my chemistry knowledge with practical approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
Q: In July 2024, you and Professor Yang were part of a two-week environmental research project on Unalaska Island. Tell us a little bit about your work there.
During out time on Unalaska Island, Professor Yang and I contributed to a larger study examining contaminant accumulation and distribution due to past military activity in the region. Our team systematically collected soil, water, fish and mussel samples to analyze for hazardous contaminants, ultimately working toward equipping the community with critical data for informed public health decisions and potential site remediation. Additionally, we took part in Camp Qungaayux, a cultural initiative to preserve Unangan traditions, where we led soil-focused classes for students in fourth through 11th grade, gaining insight into local indigenous practices and allowing us to integrate with the community.
Q: How will the Distinguished Graduate Research Program augment your studies?
Working with Dr. Allison Myers-Pigg and the River Corridor Hydrobiogeochemistry Science Focus Area team at Pacific Northwest National Lab offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with subject matter experts and access state-of-the-art facilities. Spending the last two years of my Ph.D. here will build on the skills I have developed at the 推荐杏吧原创 and further develop my expertise as a research scientist.
