Haley Sanborn is an intern and laboratory technician at the Water Quality Analysis Lab (WQAL) at the University of New Hampshire. She started her role in June 2024 and has been deeply involved in significant environmental research since.
Please describe the research/work conducted in the lab.
Haley Sanborn: The WQAL conducts various analyses on waterways such as the Lamprey River, the Durham Reservoir and other project sites of interest. Our work involves detailed testing and examination to ensure the health and sustainability of these vital water sources.
Why is this work important?
Haley: Water quality is one of the most important environmental and social issues across the globe today. Analysis and knowledge of local waterways is vital to maintaining their health, as well as the health of the Durham community and beyond.
What is your role and what are your responsibilities?
Haley: I joined the WQAL as an intern and laboratory technician. My responsibilities mainly consist of lab upkeep, cleaning glassware, and preparing samples to be analyzed. Over the summer, I also assisted PhD student Deni Murray with rainwater collection and analysis.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Haley: I particularly enjoy the hands-on experience I gain in the lab setting. Participating in field work like rainwater collection during the summer and fall has been especially rewarding. It’s been my favorite experience so far!
What are you learning and how does it support your academic and/or professional goals?
Haley: I am gaining familiarity in a lab setting beyond the scope of my courses and learning new lab procedures and terminology. It has helped me build my resume and inspired me to pursue more field work in the future, starting with my application and acceptance to the EcoQuest program next spring.
