UA SRP Trainee Lauren Bozeman Takes Mentoring Role at the Iron King Mine and Humboldt Smelter Superfund Site

In December 2016, University of Arizona Superfund Research Program (UA SRP) trainee Lauren Bozeman began mentoring an undergraduate student as part of her research at the Iron King Mine and Humboldt Smelter Superfund site (IKMHSS). Bozeman is in her second year pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Science degree. She is investigating potential mechanisms for arsenic mobilization in the tailings at IKMHSS. Bozeman has an interest in education, particularly for young women in science. She was previously a Teaching Assistant for the course Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Sustainability where she first met her student, Bitty Fennie. Fennie said, “I took Dr. Joan Curry’s Environmental Science course where Lauren was my TA. She has been a supportive mentor and teacher ever since.”

Bozeman has been training Fennie on lab techniques and procedures, as well as providing information regarding research at IKMHSS. Fennie has been an excellent student, and has been an avid learner about all aspects of the IKMHSS. When asked about her experience Fennie said, “In the beginning, I thought I would just be washing the glassware and plastic-ware from her experiments, asking questions as they arose. However, she has been encouraging above expectations. She answers every question I have with honesty and enthusiasm, and she is passionate and knows what she is talking about.”

Bozeman is excited to be sharing her research with Fennie titled, “The role of organic matter on the mobilization of arsenic from an historic tailing site.” Bozeman hopes to inspire curiosity and a passion about science to the next generation of Superfund researchers. Bozeman said of her experience, “I am passionate about environmental remediation and I think more women should be encouraged to pursue degrees in science and technology to help solve the world’s biggest problems.”