Crothers, currently a junior at Washington University, is majoring in Earth Science. She first began her undergraduate research at WashU when she took part in the Pathfinder Fellows in Environmental Leadership program. Through this program she was able to take a research trip to Madagascar. She also spent a summer in LA at Caltech as a WAVE Fellow. Caltech WAVE is an NSF-funded research experience for undergraduates. 

Back at Washington University, she continues to do research in the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab which is located in Rudolph Hall. The lab is led by Glassberg/Greensfelder Distinguished University Professor and current chair of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences David Fike. Crothers says “By far my favorite research experience has been working under Professor Fike and Dr. Houghton in the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab here in EEPS! They have been incredible mentors and inspire me every day to keep working in this field.”

When she isn’t focused on her studies, Crothers enjoys hiking and camping. She reports that her favorite trail in Missouri is the Taum Sauk Scour. She hopes to visit Sequoia National Park next summer. Once she graduates, Crothers will continue her research journey by applying to PhD programs in geology and geochemistry. The Goldwater Scholarship will provide her with the resources and funding necessary to support her undergraduate academic journey while at WashU.