Summer 1 Blog post- An exploration of micrometeorites on the rooftops of Dublin

Summer 1 Blog post- An exploration of micrometeorites on the rooftops of Dublin
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This summer I had the opportunity to conduct my research project on micrometeorites in Dublin. This project consisted of collecting samples of stray matter on rooftops in Dublin, identifying candidates for micrometeorites and imaging them using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), to determine whether or not they were of terrestrial origin.  Despite the less than ideal outcomes of my project, I was still able to learn a lot from the experience.

I began my project by exploring locations from where I could collect samples. This turned out to be the most challenging element of the project. I was already restricted by the fact that the roofs I could collect samples from had to be flat, not sloped. Unfortunately, as I came to realise, most buildings in Ireland have sloped roofs. I used Google Maps’ satellite view feature to scout potential collection sites. Then began the process of calling, emailing and even going door to door at each location to get permission to access their roof.

Sample Collection Sites
2-3 kgs of samples collected from the roof of the AML

The amount of rejection I faced was overwhelming. Despite extensive discussions about risk assessments, safety precautions, and overcoming numerous other obstacles from multiple locations, I was ultimately only able to collect samples from two of the sites. My initial goal was to collect samples from 5-10 different sites, so being unable to meet my goal left me feeling pretty demotivated. Despite this, I was still able to get around 2-3 kg of material from each location. Which once processed by size and magnetic separation turned into just a few grams of samples. However, even those few grams were enough of a challenge as the process of choosing candidates through the optical microscope proved to be excruciatingly long and tedious. After the magnetic separation, most of the particles looked the same. As this area is relatively new in terms of research, there wasn’t much literature available to reference that would help me identify suitable candidates for the SEM. This combined with the sheer magnitude of samples I had to go through made it difficult to select the right candidates.

sample waste after sieving through 600 micron mesh
Remaining samples after magnetic separation

An aspect of the project I didn't foresee was how physically demanding it would be. From collecting the sample by sweeping a roof for 1-2 hours, to sieving 1kg of raw samples at a time, to spending hours separating samples with tiny tweezers through a microscope, I ended each day completely exhausted. The project also took a toll on my mental health, as it was also the first time I hadn't been able to go home for the summer and pretty much everyone I knew had left Dublin and so my life revolved around my research project and studying for exams.

Collecting samples from the roof of the AML
Isolating candidates using the optical microscope

Although I don’t foresee myself engaging in this specific kind of field research again, it was a rewarding experience and taught me a lot about the research process. I was especially grateful to my supervisor for allowing me to be a part of his research group’s weekly meetings. I was able to gain valuable insight into the inner workings of a research group and interact with the PhD students and other researchers in a way that I ordinarily wouldn't have gotten to do. This also allowed me to consider my future and whether this was a path that I would be interested in going down in the future. 

Eventually, I had to come to terms with the fact that I didn't succeed- that during my 6 weeks, I had not found micrometeorites. Even though I was aware that this was a possibility when I began my project, it was still difficult to handle the disappointment of not achieving the goals I had in mind. With the help of my ALS group, I was able to recognise that despite failing to achieve ideal results, the growth and learning I underwent through this project were paramount and that I should go easier on myself as this was our first time taking part in any kind of research. I am grateful that the Laidlaw programme gave me the space to fail in a more forgiving environment. Although I would have done certain things differently, I do not regret the experience and feel that it helped me develop - both as a person and as a leader. 

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