Senior Health Sciences major Mia Gabriel ’27 has always been fascinated by the connection between science and human health. By combining her major in Health Science with minors in Neuroscience and Disability Studies, she has found a passion for research that explores how environmental factors shape community health.
As a member of the Kim Environmental Geochemistry (KEG) Lab under the mentorship of Schmid Dean Dr. Christopher Kim, Gabriel has spent the past year and a half investigating lead contamination in residential soils following the 2025 Eaton Fire, a first-of-its-kind study examining the environmental and public health impacts of urban interface wildfires. This summer, her dedication led her to Goldschmidt 2026, one of the world’s premier geochemistry conferences in Montréal, Canada. Mia was selected to present her research alongside scientists from around the globe.
Mia shares how she became involved in undergraduate research at Chapman, and what it was like presenting on an academic international stage at Goldschmidt.
What inspired you to pursue research on lead contamination in soils after the Eaton Fire?
As an aspiring career scientist, I am always eager to learn and hope to explore child development through a neuroscience lens in the future. Tying my Health Science, Neuroscience, and Disability Studies education together, I am honored to work on this project, as lead is known to be a harmful toxin to humans, especially children’s neurological development. The Eaton fire is a unique type of wildfire, a wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire, which remains an unexplored field. So, when the Eaton Fire burned in January of 2025, our team at Chapman University had the opportunity to identify temporal trends in lead contamination in residential soils following a WUI fire, a field of geochemistry that remains unknown.
Presenting your research at an international conference like Goldschmidt 2026 is a major accomplishment. What was that experience like, and what did you learn from interacting with researchers from around the world?
First off, thank you! The experience was truly incredible and served as a meaningful milestone not only for the physical science conducted but also for the community created along the way. I was able to reconnect with other American geochemists that I had met at previous conferences while meeting new researchers from all over the world. Goldschmidt 2026 provided space for thousands of individuals from all different backgrounds to gather, all for the simple love of geochemistry. The conference also offered countless professional development opportunities, during which I attended oral presentations, instrument demos, and keynote speeches. After the conference, I was excited to return to Chapman to share what I learned with my PI and discuss future project directions with peers at the conference.
How have research opportunities at Chapman helped you grow as a scientist and prepare for experiences like this conference?
Participating in Chapman Student Symposium and other local conferences provided me with the experience and confidence needed to feel comfortable and excited to not only attend but present at national and international conferences such as Goldschmidt and American Chemical Society.
What advice would you give to other Chapman students who are interested in getting involved in undergraduate research?
Talk to professors and current students! By connecting with individuals already conducting research at Chapman, they can help personalize your experience in finding a mentor! I am also a Student Ambassador through the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, and our website, specifically the faculty directory, is a great resource, listing faculty and ongoing projects at Chapman.
How has being active in the Chapman community enhanced your college experience?
Through research, I have found some of my closest friends, developed a professional skill set, and strengthened my passion for science. The relationships I have built within the Chapman community are ones that I will forever value. Being surrounded by peers, mentors, and faculty who always encouraged me to pursue my goals has given me the confidence to challenge myself and explore new opportunities!
Congratulations Mia! We are so proud of your achievements!
