Welcome to my summer lab!
A strawberry infected with the pathogen I studied
Me presenting my summer research at MSU’s MID-Sure symposium
This summer from May 20th to July 27th, I spent my time as a undergraduate research intern at Michigan State University within the Plant Genomics Research Experience for Undergraduates. Throughout the REU program, I spent 40 hours each week within a small fruit and hop pathology lab working on my own project focused on the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and fungicides within FRAC group 7 (SDHIs). At the end of the 10-week program, each cohort member created their own poster and presented their research at a symposium and the MID-Sure poster conference.
While this program ultimately was focused on science and developing research skills, I was also able to learn more myself and about those around me who come from different backgrounds than myself. Generally, the Plant Genomics REU at MSU is meant for students that are attending a smaller (less research dominated) university. Within that pool, there are students of color, minorities, and students that are first generation college attendees. I came into the program with a respect and understanding for those who come from different backgrounds than myself, but you aren’t able to really understand how it affects a person until you work or live directly with them. My view was not necessarily changed, more so it was improved. I saw the impact of kindness, patience, and consideration.
My roommate as well as my lab mate came from a “rougher” background; one of less financial support, family drug use, and abuse. The opportunity to be open and learn about these people was special. We relied on each other for support during the days as we toiled through our rigorous research, these long days of trial and error allowed us to become fast friends and companions. I found that you should never shout your privilege, but always be aware that people may be coming from a very different place than yourself. If we take the time to listen, we can find so explanations.
Prior to this summer, I had very little research experience. I had spent time in a lab focused on drought resistance, enrolled in lab-based courses, and explored research facilities, but I never had my own project. The 10-week research experience was intense and quick. We began learning techniques and protocols from day one and were expected to know them or at least have them written down for the next time we would need them. This rapid exposure was something I knew I wanted going into the project, but I was unsure how it would affect me. I was able to find that I could handle this type of work and I would be cut out to continue it in the future.
Each day consisted of something a little different, but always working towards the same goal. I found that organization was key as I trekked through my project. Some days I messed up and I had to come in early the next day to fix it or tweak it and try again. This scenario did not apply to everyone though, some students did feel the need to work overtime or come in early. I found that by working hard during the day and taking time to understand my project at night, I was able to learn more and be more successful. I became confident in my abilities and in asking questions. I was no longer afraid to interject and ask a question, instead I was ready to learn, connect dots between concepts, and fully understand how different mechanisms worked or influenced others. I was even able to grasp the greatest aspect of research: the “re” part. I learned that research requires a large amount of re-doing, patience, and resilience. I failed many times; I had contaminated cultures, little help, and measurement errors. But, that is just how research goes and you learn to adapt.
My summer experience was incredibly valuable for my future; I was able to see that I truly enjoy the research experience and that I can complete my own project and then think beyond the project. I was able to gain a better understanding of how to present and discuss my work by presenting to faculty, fellow cohort members, and others at the MID-Sure Poster conference. This ability is crucial in the ever-developing world of science as we must take the information found and disperse it to the public in a readily understood manner. The issue of science communication strikes close to home as I see this within my parents and other family members. When we can clearly and adequately confer our knowledge to the general public, we are able to make a difference. There is a great gap between consumers and producers as well as the public and scientists. It is crucial that future scientists are able to discuss their findings to the public as we venture into a greater use of genetically engineered crops and climate change. If not, it is a common theme that people will not support what they do not know or understand. I hope to work with this gap, attempting to educate the population on what is happening within our fields and how we can each go about making it better. A goal of mine, strengthened this summer, is to obtain my PhD in Plant Pathology and work with local growers to develop intelligent strategies to avoid disease. This summer, I was able to network and meet many PIs (primary investigators) from incredible labs/universities across the country. This opportunity has given me the chance to have choices of places for graduate school. Within the professional relationship I formed with my PI, Tim, I would not have many of his colleagues or gained any insight into what I hope to do with a graduate degree. A goal of mine going into the program was to be one (large) step closer to finding graduate schools to apply to this fall, a mentor who would be willing to take me as a student, and potentially having the chance to author a publication. I was able to accomplish all of these goals through consistent networking and hard work, for that I am extremely proud. Without my summer experience, I would not be where I am right now: I will be grateful for this summer as I enter graduate school and begin to mentor others as I was mentored this summer.