André Pellerin Function: Student Intern Affiliation: University of Ottawa I am a student in the 2nd year of masters program at University of Ottawa. I use molecular biology methods coupled with isotope geochemistry to investigate the origin of endostromatolites, which are secondary biogenic carbonate precipitates found in and around Haughton Crater. My fieldwork at the HMP Research Station consists of finding new outcrops where accumulations of endostromatolites are present, characterize the sites and their physicaliological parameters and take representative samples for DNA analysis and isotope geochemistry. The sampling must be done under sterile conditions in order to prevent contamination by the handling and shipping process. Lessons learned from last year's field work will be put into action this year. The research will help understand how these carbonate precipitates form and more interestingly, what kind of microorganisms help in their formation.

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