Fellows Friday
Research Fellows
Fellows Friday
Fellows Friday
Fellows Friday
Fellows Friday
Fellows Friday
Research Highlight: Emily Winstead
I had the opportunity to speak to Emily Winstead concerning her research with Dr. Crozier on microbial source tracking using DNA sequencing.
Can you describe what your research project is about?
My research falls into the field of microbial source tracking – which are methods used to identify sources of fecal contamination in water sample. Our current project is to try to figure out how to use a new DNA sequencing device, the MinION to sequence DNA from environmental samples with the hopes of identifying the source of contamination.
What made you decide to pursue your topic?
There are so, so, so many organisms that we can’t see (yay microbiology!), and I think that it’s fascinating that there are molecular ways to identify them. In addition, water quality is an issue that affects public health. Microbial source tracking, and other techniques can be implemented to survey water quality to better serve communities.
Why did you decide to do research?
As a senior in high school, I found out about the Research Fellows Program completely by accident, and thought it sounded so cool to be able to do research from the time I walked onto campus as a freshman until I graduate. I have had the opportunity to learn how to do cutting-edge science, all while learning leadership skills, and gaining confidence as a scientist. These skills will be invaluable to me as I graduate from Roanoke and continue my research journey elsewhere.
How has your experience with your research advisor been?
I’ve worked with Dr. Crozier since my sophomore year, and he’s amazing! Sometimes the easiest parts of research (I’m looking at you PCR) end up being the most challenging, which can be incredibly frustrating. Dr. Crozier has always been supportive, and is always helping me troubleshoot. Also, he’s always there whenever I have a problem, or have needed life/career/what am I doing after Roanoke advice, so it’s definitely been an amazing experience.
What has been your favorite or most interesting part of your research project so far?
One of the weirdest parts of my research project has been extracting DNA from horse manure. But the actual weird part is that to ensure that we break open the cells enough to extract, we actually have to heat the feces in a water bath for thirty minutes. So a couple of times a semester, the second floor of Life Science might smell like hot horse manure, and that definitely is our lab… so my bad…
Another interesting thing is that the device that we use is called the MinION, so we definitely keep Despicable Me Minion stickers in our lab, and I stick them on random notebooks, sample boxes, pipette tip boxes, just random things…
What would you say to current and incoming students interested in doing research?
One of the unique things about me, is that I’ve had the experience of working in a number of different research fields, both here at Roanoke, and elsewhere. I’ve worked in the humanities, biochemistry labs, clinical research, and in microbiology, and the biggest thing I can recommend is to find something you’re passionate about. Find a topic that interests you, even if it’s not at all what you expect, and go for it! It’s also super important to have a support system in place, whether that’s a mentor, or other research students who can support you.
Research Highlight: Hannah Petty
I had the opportunity to speak with Hannah Petty concerning her research experience with Dr. Lassiter on examining the effects spironolactone has on the embryological development of zebrafish.
Can you describe what your research project is about?
For my research project, I look at the effects spironolactone has on the embryological development of zebrafish. I use three different concentrations as well as a control to test what effects the chemical has on the heart rate, heart area (atrium & ventricle separately), blood vessel diameter, mortality (over 7 days), eye width, eye length, interocular distance, and head length of the fish.
What made you decide to pursue your topic?
When I was a freshman, I was new to Dr. Lassiter’s lab; therefore, I was pretty unaware of protocols and things of that nature. One of the seniors at the time, Erin Kosmowski, was working on her senior project and needed help. She taught me the necessary techniques to measure the effects of the chemical. After she graduated, I continued with the project in an effort to have enough data to eventually publish.
Why did you decide to do research?
I am hoping to attend medical school after completing my undergraduate degree. With that, I knew I needed to involve myself with every opportunity available. When I was researching those opportunities offered at RC, I found information on “Research Fellows.” I was really excited about the opportunity to conduct research for both course credit and pay in addition to the experience I would have gained after four years of undergraduate research. So, between those three aforementioned benefits, I felt doing research would really help me on both an undergraduate and potentially graduate level.
How has your experience with your research advisor been?
My research experience with my advisor has been absolutely phenomenal. Dr. Lassiter is an easy person with which to both work and talk. Additionally, he is the king of spreadsheets and is more organized than you could ever imagine. I am also a member of the swim team, so my research productivity during the season is very different than pre or post season; thankfully, Dr. Lassiter, is extremely tolerant of my weird schedule which makes it significantly easier to work in his lab.
What has been your favorite or most interesting part of your research project so far?
My favorite part of research thus far has been using the fluorescent scope underneath Massengill. A couple of the lines of zebrafish we have are genetically modified to have parts of them glow under certain light. For example, we have a line of fish who’s hearts glow green; we have a line of fish who’s jaws glow green; and we have a line of fish who’s blood vessels glow red underneath the fluorescent scope. These fish, to the naked eye, appear to be perfectly normal; however, when they are put under the fluorescent scope, they are clearly unique. I absolutely love watching their hearts beat and being able to differentiate between the atrium and the ventricle—I think it is so cool!
What would you say to current and incoming students interested in doing research?
If you’re an incoming freshman, do everything you can to involve yourself in what you love. I have always had a passion for science, so I wanted to do research in the biology field. It seems a little scary when the upperclassman are discussing some of the more advanced protocols, but I promise it is not as intimidating as it seems. For both freshman and current students interested in research, don’t be afraid of scheduling conflicts! My schedule has been extremely difficult to work with and around due to my athletic commitment, but professors are really understanding of students who want to really explore the opportunities RC has to offer. Dr. Lassiter, for example, is both my research and academic advisor, so he deals with me all the time and knows the complexity of my schedule; however, he has never discouraged me from pursuing opportunities that interest me. The encouragement provided by the faculty make everything ten times easier, as they want you to succeed just as badly as you do! Also, as a last tip, always ask questions! No one will judge you; the majority of the time, someone has the exact same question you do!
Research Highlight: Therese Weidenkopf
I had the opportunity to speak with Therese Weidenkopf concerning her research experience with Dr. Hughes concerning the development of a methodology for the synthesis of the semiconductor nanocrystal CIS.
Can you describe what your research project is about?
My research involves the development of a methodology for the synthesis of the semiconductor nanocrystal CIS. Semiconductor nanocrystals, such as CIS, are involved in biolabeling techniques, such as fluorescent biolabeling and drug delivery. Unfortunately, the toxicity of CIS is not fully understood, nor is the ability to synthesis the nanocrystal in bulk and retain the stability and integrity if the nanocrystal for in vitro testing. The research I perform investigates potential methods of creating stable, water soluble CIS nanocrystals whose toxicity can then be determined by exposing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to varying concentrations of CIS.
What made you decide to pursue your topic?
When I was accepted as a freshman to the Research Fellows program I was given a list of projects with the chemistry faculty that I could chose to pursue. I noticed that Dr. Hughes’ project dealt with nanocrystals and nanotechnology, which is a topic I have been fascinated with since growing up watching Iron Man. If I had the chance to learn how to synthesize and work with small electrical conducting, light emitting nanoparticles and ‘play’ Tony Stark, I was not giving up that chance. However, throughout the project it was heavily methodology development based which required many brainstorming sessions between me and several scientific papers. It has been a constant search for puzzle pieces as I continue to find and incorporate new information in my research which has been incredibly rewarding.
Why did you decide to do research?
I have wanted to become a physician since as early as I can remember, and not only did I want to experience the science of the body, I wanted to experience the science of the world. Performing research at Roanoke has introduced me to another scientific world in where I can feel magical by synthesizing small light emitting particles. Science is incredibly diverse and I believe that participating in difficult and academically stimulating research will aid my work as a physician.
How has your experience with your research advisor been?
It started off very intimidating. Dr. Hughes is an incredibly intelligent scientist and I was a young freshman desperately trying to understand P-chem. Even though I fell flat on my face many times, Dr. Hughes was always there to give me the tools to help me up. He consistently pushed me to stretch my scientific imagination and find the solutions to my research questions myself. Working with Dr. Hughes the past three years has not only cultivated and shaped my scientific mind, but it also has helped me grow in my character. He has always been there as a trusted advisor to talk about whatever I was struggling with in my life. He has supported me in my academic efforts and even attended my show when I was the supporting lead in TRC’s An Enemy of the People.
What has been your favorite or most interesting part of your research project so far?
My favorite part about my research project thus far has been the ability to attend and present at a research conference as an undergraduate. This past month I was able to attend a virtual conference sponsored by Harvard University where I presented my research to my peers and researchers from around the world. It was truly a unique experience because I saw the vast diversity of research projects that illustrated the inclusive nature of research and the level of thought, detail, and preparation that goes into every research project. I was also able to soak in the wisdom of the keynote speakers such as Dr. Sylvester James Gates Jr. and Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Michael Rosbash.
What would you say to current and incoming students interested in doing research?
You may come into your research project feeling completely overwhelmed and afraid that the topic is far too advanced for you to understand. Take that fear and channel into a drive for success and a desire for understanding.
Lastly, any other additional information or comments you’d like to include besides the questions stated above?
Understand that your research advisor is there to help you. Build a relationship with your advisor. It does not always have to be about your research topic. Take advantage of their help and let it launch you into an abundance of opportunities.
Research Fellows Spotlight: Riker Lawrence
The Research Fellows program allows incoming students to get involved in research from the beginning of their career at Roanoke. Students work with a faculty mentor in a subject that they are interested in and create a research project. After they finish or complete a substantial part of their research, students present their projects at conferences both on and off campus.
Riker Lawrence is sophomore who is working with Dr. Powell for her research project
“My research has focused on data from my research advisor, Dr. Darcey N. Powell’s dissertation study. Her study examined division of labor of taking care of a toddler and how it affects the parents. I previously looked into how the fathers’ perceptions of the division of labor affect the marital satisfaction between the couples. After analyzing Dr. Powell’s data to a great extent, I’m moving into a different path of research that focuses on family leisure. I’m at the beginning stages of this project, therefore I’m analyzing many literature reviews on the subject of family leisure and division of labor of taking care of a child. I hope to find out if prenatal leisure time could possibly be a predictor of collaborative division of labor postpartum among parents”.
Riker decided to pursue her topic after hearing about it at a talk at the National Council of Family Relations last November.
“I had not heard of the concept of family leisure nor did I realize the importance of it. Family leisure also connects with the idea of work-life balance, which refers to the idea of trying to balance their work and life schedules to aid their physical and psychological well-being. Finally, the data that Dr. Powell has can possibly push me the direction of connecting family leisure and division of labor, and examining whether those components interchange between prenatal and postpartum periods of the child”.
Riker first decided to do apply for the Research Fellows program once she was accepted into Roanoke College.
“As I researched the program, I realized that this could be a great activity to do. I thought it was amazing that I would get to research psychology and get paid. As an undergraduate, I didn’t think that independent research happened that often. I was also interested in many of the studies that the professors in the psychology department were examining. I figured that there was no harm in applying to be in this program”.
Riker has really enjoyed her time in the Research Fellows program.
“Along with learning how to conduct my research, I have made many friends and have been given many opportunities that not many undergraduates receive. For example, this school year alone, I have been to two conferences to present some of my research lab’s studies. In November, I went to Orlando to attend the National Council of Family Relations. Then in February of 2018, I attended the Academy of Human Resource Department as a co-author for my friend and one of my research lab partners, Kaitlin Busse. Being in a research lab has shown me that research cannot be conducted alone. It is way too much work, but having people help you with the tedious of tasks and support you is a wonderful thing to have in college”.
Riker plans on continuing her research project in the days to come.
“After analyzing and organizing many articles, I will focus on how I can analyze the data I have already have from Dr. Powell’s research, and determine if I need to retrieve more data. Once I have a big enough sample with useable data, I will conduct tests to interpret that data. Once that is completed, I will see what my results and determine on what is the best way to present my findings”.
To anyone interested in doing research, Riker says to go for it.
“Those who are interested must be ready to work hard and not slack off on any step of the project, because the outcome of it will show how serious one takes their research. The project could be published, presented at conferences, or be sent out to graduate schools as examples of work. Therefore, every part of the project should be conducted in the best possible way because it is a reflection of the student’s work and the research atmosphere of Roanoke College”.