As an environmental sciences student last semester, all students were presented with the opportunity to present a research poster at the end of semester research symposium.  This was my first experience with research and a fantastic introduction to how critical research is to the development and innovation of solutions to global issues.  Through creating a poster, I learned to seek scholarly sources and communicate those ideas in unity with my assertions regarding Meat Production and its Effects on the Environment in North America.  The research process was very exciting and eye opening in regards to learning about the methodology of various research projects.  At the symposium, I had the opportunity to professionally communicate the information I presented and to interact with other students and the research they presented.  This event was a catalyst for my professional development and current interest in research as I am seeking REU opportunities for the summer.