Research, Scholarly, & Creative Activity
"Upon graduation, students will access and utilize credible information to answer research questions. Students will complete and present an undergraduate research, scholarly, or creative project as part of their competency development."
Slackia Research
Research Application
Upon returning from studying abroad in Zanzibar, I sought to continue researching and collaborating with Dr. Noecker, who provided the perfect opportunity. Opting to focus on the under-researched genus Slackia, known for its presence in the gastrointestinal tract, I embarked on a journey to uncover its metabolic diversity. I Secured a research grant to further support my exploration. I analyzed metagenomic data from Slackia genomes worldwide utilizing various genome analysis tools like RStudio, Kbase, and BLAST. Despite encountering challenges in locating gene codes and navigating complex genomic data, Dr. Noecker's guidance was invaluable, and we overcame the hurdles. Through compiling results and maintaining lab records, I am laying the groundwork for future research endeavors in microbiology, and I am armed with invaluable data analysis skills.
Independent Study Project
Research Application
Through my participation in the SIT study abroad program in Zanzibar, Tanzania, I engaged in a month-long independent study project focused on analyzing the physical quality of domestic water in Mangapwani, a rural town facing environmental changes. Despite challenges such as time constraints and limited resources, I navigated independently through the research process, from writing a research proposal to presenting my findings at the 2023 Minnesota State University Mankato Undergraduate Research Symposium. My interdisciplinary approach, combining physical data collection with qualitative community interviews, provided valuable insights into water access and quality in the area. This experience equipped me with essential research skills and ethical practices that I will continue to apply in future endeavors.
SIT Course Work
Research Developement
During my semester in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with the School for International Training (SIT) in Fall 2022, I participated in courses on Coastal Ecology, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Research Methods and Ethics. Through experiential learning, we conducted various hands-on projects. These projects equipped me with research techniques, emphasizing ethical considerations like informed consent and societal impacts. Additionally, the culmination of these experiences allowed me to propose conservation strategies and understand the practical challenges associated with fieldwork, which I later applied in my independent study project (ISP) and intend to carry forward into my future academic and professional endeavors.