Biogeosciences

Kara Sampsell

Kara Sampsell is a PhD candidate at the Université Grenoble Alpes where she works at the Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement (IGE). Her research focuses on the microbial communities associated with a fine sediment called glacial rock flour and their potential influence on plant nutrition and soil emissions. Her project belongs to the MSCA Doctoral Network “ICEBIO” which aims to investigate biogeochemistry and microbiology related to glaciers (MSCA DN 1072761: ICEBIO - Center for Glacial Biome Doctoral Network).

Microbial Adventures in the Mont Blanc Massif

Kara Sampsell and Lucia Layritz August 31, 2025

The peak of Mont Blanc glows in the light of sunset with the impressive Glacier des Bossons visible in the foreground from the town of Chamonix. (Photo Credit: Kara Sampsell, May 2025).

As we passed the town of Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains on the French highway, en route to a sampling campaign, Mont Blanc’s glaciated terrain suddenly emerged above the spring foliage. Breaking the silent awe, Patrick remarked that indeed, “Mont Blanc is still there.” The humor won’t be lost on anyone familiar with the massif. Its unquestionable, human-minimizing presence colours the regions’ cultural a ...[Read More]