Major: Medical Technology and Biology
(Double major)
Stephanie was involved in a project
identifying and isolating various strains of the bacteria,
Escherichia coli, collected from water, sand, and vegetative
samples from local Michigan beaches. She was responsible for
growing bacterial samples, purifying them, and eventually
collecting the DNA for sequence analysis.
How did you get involved in research?
I first got involved with research when I started volunteering in Dr. [Jerry] Sanders'
office in the Spring of 2008. I was interested in the research he was doing, so
I took an independent study course with him the following winter semester. This
past summer, I worked in a laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis
through the Honors Program at U. of M. Flint, and am currently working on my
thesis, which is based on the research that I have completed.
How has participating in research impacted your education?
I think that undergraduate research is a wonderful opportunity for students.
Many students do not get exposed to much research until graduate school or
professional school. Doing research as an undergrad not only gets your foot in
the door, but it is also a great resume-builder. Research is a multi-faceted
area, and it serves to strengthen problem-solving skills as well as generate
interest in the unknown.
What has been the most satisfying aspect of your research experience?
My experience, I have found, has been great because of the opportunity to work
one-on-one with a professor and scientist who is very knowledgeable in the
field. Dr. Sanders has a Ph.D. in Microbiology, so if I ever have a question, he
knows a ton of information on the subject matter. Having great networks and
resources as an undergraduate is crucial if you would like to pursue a career or
advanced degree upon graduation. I look forward to being able to travel to the
Meeting of Minds Conference in May of 2010 with Dr. Sanders to help discuss our
findings with interested students and faculty.
What are your future plans? How has participating in research helped you in
preparing for those future plans?
I plan on continuing my undergraduate education by getting advanced training in
the medical field, either as a Medical Technologist (hospital laboratory
worker), Physician Assistant, or Optometrist. My research background will be
extremely helpful in any of these fields, either because workers in these
careers may conduct research, or because such career fields are evidence-based
practices. Having a research mindset means more than memorizing information. It
allows you to ask "why" certain things occur, which in turn, helps with a better
understanding of the subject matter.
What advice would you give to students interested
in being involved in research?
I would say that if you are interested in research, talk to faculty members.
Usually, faculty at U of M Flint are very helpful and love having students who
are interested in what they are doing. They are often more than happy to answer
questions and explain their research to you, and depending on your background,
they are usually happy to have an extra pair of hands in their labs. If you are
interested in research, just do it.
