Undergraduate Research Brings Mines Student Across the Country and World to solve a pressing environmental issue

When Frances LeDuke, a sophomore studying Geological Engineering, joined a research lab in her first year at Mines, she opened the door to global research with a global impact. She is a member of a lab at Colorado School of Mines funded by a National Science Foundation research program called IRES, or International Research Experience for Students. Dr. Rennie Kaunda, a Mining Engineering Associate Professor at Colorado School of Mines, leads the project in partnership with colleagues at Georgia College. 

Alongside her research team, LeDuke is studying possible avenues for remediation of contamination from legacy mining in Zambia. One avenue of interest is metallophyte hyper-accumulator plant species, as these species may have the ability to remediate heavy metal contaminants existing in contaminated mine waste sites. As part of this research, LeDuke had the opportunity to live and work in Zambia over the course of the summer of 2023 and she’ll be returning to Zambia in the summer of 2024.  Her specific role in this project is to investigate the correlation of electrical resistivity profiles and soil properties at these sites. 

Why does this research matter? “Understanding groundwater leeching can allow us to prevent the contamination of critical drinking water sources,” says LeDuke. Her team’s research doesn’t stop there, though. Going a step further, they’re working to create biofuel out of the pre-existing contaminated waste in an attempt to “close the circle” of remediation. 

This research is of particular importance, according to LeDuke, as contamination from legacy mines has too often been ignored or deprioritized. “A staggering takeaway that I gained from my time studying legacy mining has been the devastating ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mindset that many of us begin to hold when we are not affected by or don’t understand these issues. Working with Zambian students and residents on site and becoming immersed in the field setting is a completely different world compared to researching these topics from a desk at school. In many ways, this research reshaped my values as an engineer and drove me to commit my work and education to the betterment of the common good.” 

LeDuke already has a plan in place for how to devote her career to the common good. Upon graduating, she aspires to conduct oceanographic conservation research that allows her to perform geologic fieldwork on coastlines all over the world. Her time in Zambia inspired a global approach to this global work, as she hopes to conduct oceanographic field research internationally throughout her career.

LeDuke recently had the opportunity to present her research, “Correlation of electrical resistivity profiles and soil properties at mine waste sites,” at the 2023 Geological Society of America (GSA) Connects Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  

According to LeDuke, “Attending the annual GSA Connects Conference in Pittsburgh this year was an incredible opportunity to present my research to other scientists from all over the world. I received amazing feedback and comments, and was able to have valuable technical conversations with the other attendees and presenters at the conference that will continue to add value and depth to my continuing research.” 

The opportunity to disseminate research to a professional audience not only introduces students to a key part of the research process, but also empowers students to develop crucial skills that employers value, including communication, professionalism, and team work.  

Since 2018, the Office of Undergraduate Research Scholars has awarded travel grants to 25 undergraduate students.   

Any undergraduate student accepted to present their research at a scientific conference is eligible to apply for the grants. Although the Travel Grant is limited to $400, students may combine that money with conference travel funding offered through their lab, department, or other sources. 

For many students, one of the most impactful aspects of undergraduate research is the way in which it allows students to explore, define, and pursue their career interests and aspirations. According to LeDuke,  “My research is extremely congruent with my career interests, as [both my research] and career goals align with service, community, and interpersonal values. Although I’m not completely set on a specific job title or position, I know I’d like to extend my work internationally – and conduct research similar to my work in Zambia, in as many places as possible.”    

Editor’s note: Frances’ story is part of a new recurring feature that highlights student successes and accomplishments; demonstrates how their experience at Mines helped prepare them for future success; and demonstrates Mines’ mission of producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. 

Learn more about Undergraduate Research Scholar Travel Grants.