Each year, Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering asks our students engaged in summer research to tell us about themselves, their work and the goals of the research they are working with professors on. This year, the questionnaire was completed by intrepid scientists, mathematicians, engineers and tech experts on campus at Loyola Marymount University — and beyond the bluff!
Olivia Schafer ’28, an environmental science student whose research was overseen by professor Rachel Adams observed marine mussels that lived near the Pacific Palisades fire earlier in 2025 to see how the fires may have affected the population.
Can you describe your research for those outside your field of study?
Our research is focused on studying how the Pacific Palisades fire affected mussels living near the burned areas. We collected mussel samples from three different locations in February, about a month after the fire, and we are testing how toxic or unhealthy the ones near the burn site are in comparison to the ones further away.
To do this, we first dissect the mussels, then bake them, and finally grind them into a fine powder. After that, we add them to vials with acid and use a machine that heats them up (kind of like a super-powered microwave) to pull the metals out of the ground-up mussels’ tissue. Finally, we run the samples through another machine called an ICP/MS, which tells us how much of each metal is in the mussels!
What do you think readers will find most interesting about your project?
Water quality and ecosystem health are two extremely important factors for human health, especially for those who rely on the ocean as a source of food or live by it. The Palisades Fire was detrimental not only to terrestrial ecosystems but also to marine life, a rare occurrence of a fire coming so close to the ocean. This research is important for understanding the impacts of fire on marine life, as instances like this are rare. Additionally, if lead contaminants or other heavy metals are present in the water and/or food chain, humans could end up being affected by them. We want to ensure that the ocean and its inhabitants are healthy and non-toxic, ultimately upholding safety for humans and animals alike.
What have you learned about doing research that other students might benefit from?
Some important lessons I’ve learned so far are that no matter how much you plan, sometimes things don’t quite go right. Schedules and timelines are not always set in stone, as research is often unpredictable. I have learned a lot of patience and flexibility, even in my first three weeks on this project. This has taught me resilience and to take things as they come, facing challenges or unexpected outcomes with excitement rather than frustration. I am now exposed to the true nature of research, which has helped me realize that even with its challenges, research is something I want to continue doing. I have also learned essential skills in team communication and quick problem-solving under a deadline. This research has taught me a great deal about what I want my future STEM career to be like.
In your experience, how does doing research complement coursework?
Research like this relies heavily on skills learned in general lab courses, such as Chemistry Lab 1 and 2. Proper lab safety techniques as well as how to get accurate results or “good data” are skills that I’ve been able to further develop from my initial introduction ot them in those courses. Additionally, the research we are conducting is relevant to my coursework in environmental science. I have learned about bioaccumulation and biomagnification of toxicity in my environmental science and sustainability lectures, environmental studies lecture, and environmental field sampling course.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
I would tell them that even if research isn’t a current career goal, they should still look into it, perhaps just as a learning experience. Your undergraduate years in STEM are really to find out what it is you like doing, or better yet, find out what you don’t like to do. It’s better to get a feel for it in a lower-stakes environment now, instead of years down the line in your professional career. You never know if something is right for you until you try! Plus, if you’re inquisitive by nature or are curious about science to any extent, research would be a fun experience for you! Even if you have dreams of going to med school, but for example, also have a passion for plants, now is the time to explore that! Especially here at LMU, it’s a great way to check out what your professors are up to, build closer relationships with them, and get experience in both the lab and the field.