Undergraduate Researcher Profiles
Stephanie Kover, 2010 Summer NSF EPSCoR and 2010-11 GURA Awardee
How did you get involved in undergraduate research? I was looking to get more involved in my field of study. I was interested in the water-related research some of my professors were doing, like Dr. Marchand and Dr. Kolodziej. And I thought, “I should try this out. This might be what I want to do.” I had no idea that I would end up going out to feedlots and handling manure on a regular basis. But now that’s just a typical work day.
What are you currently working on? The work I do in the lab involves the growth promoting synthetic steroids that are implanted in beef cows. These steroids have the potential to end up in our drinking water, causing hormonal imbalances in animals and humans. These steroids are pretty nasty stuff; when fish are exposed to extremely low concentrations (we’re talking about the ng/L range), they can undergo feminization or masculinization. Male fish will grow eggs in their testes, female fish no longer are able to reproduce, and entire populations die. It is exciting to work with this emerging contaminant, especially when awareness of endocrine disrupting compounds, such as synthetic steroids, is really spreading.
Describe a favorite moment during your research. I have to say that I really enjoy field work. The most fulfilling days this summer were those that I spent taking trips out to feedlots, and putting in 14 hours days, getting my hands dirty (Well, not exactly. I wore gloves. Wasn’t about to just dive into manure piles barehanded. ) A brief description of the atmosphere: it was scorching hot, plagues of flies flew in from a mile radius, and the only thing dryer than the air were the sandwiches for lunch. But, as undesirable as I make it sound, I had a lot of fun, and jump at the chance to go sampling.
What are your plans after graduation? I want to continue my education and keep doing research after graduating.
What advice would you give to a fellow student considering undergraduate research? Honestly, just talk to your professors. A lot of professors at the university conduct research, and you can read journal articles they have submitted. Anyone who is doing research is really jazzed about it. If you show an interest in what they are doing they will be more than happy to talk to you about it, show you around their lab. You may not end up doing exactly that, but it will give you insight into what options are out there.
Michelle Sneck, 2009-10 GURA and 2010-11 GURA Awardee
How did you get involved in undergraduate research? I received an e-mail from the Biology department regarding the Undergraduate Research Department’s research opportunities and then I approached my professor, Dr. Matthew Forister, about potential research projects soon after. After receiving my first grant April of 2009 I proceeded to apply for a second grant in March of 2010 to continue my research because I enjoyed the opportunity of presenting my research at the symposium while acquiring invaluable research experience.
What are you currently working on? The Undergraduate Research grant has enabled me to sequence a region of the mitochondria and a nuclear gene of the Sand Mountain blue butterfly (Euphilotes pallescens arenamontana) which is currently under conservation litigation. With this, my advisor and I created a haplotype map that illuminates the genetic relatedness of the Sand Mountain blue to other closely related subspecies of Euphilotes pallescens. I am currently moving forward with this phylogenetics project by sequencing more nuclear DNA to fine tune our understanding of the genetic relatedness of the Sand Mountain Blue butterfly to other subspecies. This will allow us to publish our findings in a scientific journal and potentially aid conservation efforts to protect this beautiful and vulnerable butterfly.
Describe a favorite moment during your research. Research is extremely fulfilling and exciting. Being able to see your own progress and utilizing the scientific method in a very hands-on way is one of the richest experiences I have had as an undergraduate. My favorite moment was actually performing a DNA extraction by myself and not totally screwing up. I’ve made a lot of mistakes but having a supportive advisor really helps. Honestly I’ve loved every minute of being in the lab!
What are your plans after graduation? Being in the lab and having hands on research experience has definitely propelled me towards a graduate degree. I am applying to a few schools but my first choice is University of Texas, Austin. I’d love to continue doing research, learn as much as I can, and see the world in the process.
What advice would you give to a fellow student considering undergraduate research? Do it! My advice is to at least get experience writing grants, which is absolutely essential in academia. Pick a professor you’d like to work with and ask if they have any questions (which they probably do) that they’d like to investigate. Even better, if you have your own questions propose them to a potential advisor. It’s great experience and when I send my CV to prospective graduate school advisors the things they are most impressed with are my grants and research experience.