Karina Reitz

Collaborate with faculty researchers to refine research questions, evaluate results, and develop a thesis on original research. Extract and prepare samples for mass spectrometry and ICP-OES analysis using contamination-control and laboratory-quality protocols while establishing SOPs for data collection Analyze and visualize geochemical data in RStudio and Excel to evaluate biological influences on coral paleoclimate proxies.

Undergraduate Research Assistant/ Senior Thesis Project - Cole PACE Lab - University of Michigan Earth - Ann Arbor, MI

(2025-08)

• Collaborate with faculty researchers to refine research questions, evaluate results, and develop a thesis on original research.
• Extract and prepare samples for mass spectrometry and ICP-OES analysis using contamination-control and laboratory-quality protocols while establishing SOPs for data collection
• Analyze and visualize geochemical data in RStudio and Excel to evaluate biological influences on coral paleoclimate proxies.

Environmental Science In The Rockies Capstone Field Camp - Camp Davis - Dillon, MT

(2026-07 - 2026-07)

• Conducted a hydrologic seismic survey to determine water-table depth to guide future well drilling projects on-site.
• Collected DOC, water-quality, and discharge data from eight sites to write a collaborative report assessing warming impacts on water use in Montana’s Big Hole Watershed.
• Engaged landowners and stakeholders in discussions to identify future water-conservation solutions.

Undergraduate Research Assistant - Peterson SCIPP Lab - University of Michigan Earth - Ann Arbor, MI

(2025-01 - 2025-05)

• Extracted and analyzed 20+ fossil shells in contribution to a collaborative research project on elemental paleoclimate proxies.
• Developed two museum outreach activities to translate paleoclimate research into accessible, engaging learning displays.

Study Abroad Marine Biology Research Experience - School for Field Studies - South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands

(2025-06 - 2025-08)

• Handled aquatic wildlife and conducted sampling on a marine vessel while supporting safe and accurate field-data collection.
• Conducted biodiversity surveys at 10+ sites assessing Queen Conch populations to report results to the Dept. of Fisheries.

Bartender/ Server - Metamora Golf and Country Club - Devil’s Ridge Country Club - Metamora MI | Oxford, MI

(2023 - 2024)

• Delivered high-quality service across fast-paced large-scale banquet, bar, and restaurant environments with 2 full-time summers of experience.

Finance Chair - Ballet Folklorico de Metztli - Student Organization, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

(2025-04)

• Raised over $4,000 through organizing fundraisers and applying to grants to benefit 30+ organization members.
• Manage purchasing and the organization’s budget to ensure appropriate venues and attire are coordinated.

Engagement Chair - Beyond the Book - Student Organization, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

(2026-06)

• Planning and executing monthly book club meetings and member bonding events to increase participation and club morale.

Spanish Language Internship - Fortis Academy - Ypsilanti, MI

(2026-01 - 2026-04)

• Tutored 5 ELL elementary students using spanish speaking skills to improve their english and math comprehension.

Bachelor of Science - Earth and Environmental Science, minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (2027-05)