James Lin is an Oceanography Ph.D. student in the Earth Sciences Department. Lin received a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Maryland, and a master's degree in Agronomy from Kansas State University. His hometown is Germantown, Maryland.
1. Why did you choose UNH for your graduate program?
UNH offers a diverse range of Earth Science research opportunities that are rigorous and novel. I chose UNH for my graduate program because of my research project which allows me to specialize my knowledge and grow my career in oceanography and global carbon modeling under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Letscher. Through my research, I hope to gain academic recognition and advance our understanding of global-scale marine carbon cycles through various conferences and student competitions.
2. What is your Research Focus?
My research focuses on understanding the role of future climate change on the marine refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC) that makes up 95% of the total dissolved organic carbon, about 630 out of 662 Pg C. Sources of RDOC into the ocean include marine phytoplankton, riverine discharge, atmospheric deposition, and hydrothermal processes. Marine RDOC removal includes photooxidation, hydrothermal vents, and microbial remineralization. The production, consumption, and dynamic role RDOC has on the Earth’s carbon-climate system will be simulated through my project using the Community Earth System Model (CESM) with carbon isotopes (13C and 14C).
3. What are you hoping to accomplish with this research? How will it potentially impact society or day-to-day life?
By calibrating a model that reasonably represents the marine modern-day RDOC production (allochthonous and autochthonous) and consumption (biotic and abiotic) processes, hypothesis testing can simulate future climate forcings to understand changes in the marine RDOC pool as a potential climate feedback over Earth’s large timescales. A future with higher RDOC production means greater carbon sequestration from the atmosphere into the ocean, while a future with higher RDOC consumption means greater carbon released into the atmosphere.
4. What do you enjoy most about your experience at UNH?
I enjoy the diversity of research, quality of education, and sense of community that UNH offers. I have had the opportunity to participate in several student competitions (Three-Minute Thesis and Graduate Research Conference) which allowed me to learn about new projects other graduate students are conducting at UNH while developing my communication skills. The supportive faculty and graduate student development workshops have fostered greater community connection and personal success. UNH also offers recreational trips and outdoor adventures. A recent trip to the Southwest US provided more hands-on learning and long-lasting connections with a diverse range of Earth Science students.
5. What do you hope to do after your time at UNH?
After completing my doctoral studies at UNH, I hope to pursue innovative projects related to marine biogeochemistry modeling and future climate change predictions. My passion lies in researching the effects of anthropogenic climate change. Technology and science are already available for mitigating climate impacts, but we need to better implement these strategies for natural disaster mitigation and adaptation.
6. What is your advice for someone on how to best prepare for a graduate program?
To prepare for the rigors and challenges of graduate school, 1.) be passionate about learning, 2.) participate in research projects related to the field of interest, 3.) have time-management, communication, and organizational skills, 4) understand your future career goals and skills needed, and 5.) maintain a supportive and reliable community/research group. But, most importantly, a graduate degree can and should be fully funded, so find adequately funded projects or financial support.
