Rachel Marek, Grinnell College, ’06,
REU Summer 2004: Rachel worked with Dan Olk (Soil Biochemist at the USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory) to establish the groundwork necessary to for Drs. Olk and Russell to explore creative and innovative approaches to linking soil organic matter biochemistry to ecosystem dynamics. She gained expertise in various biochemical methods for characterization of soil quality under the different tree species by quantifying various soil organic compounds, especially phenols. Here are her responses to a few questions:
What surprised you the most?
I was surprised to find out that research is an ongoing process that can’t be completed in only 10 weeks. Despite that, I was surprised that my research did have an impact on the scientific community.
What role has REU played in your undergraduate experience?
REU was my first real research experience outside my undergraduate school. Since I attend a small school, my experience at a bigger university introduced me to collaboration between departments, resources, and facilities. My REU experience also introduced me to an important environmental issue in another country that could have an impact worldwide, and showed me the consequences of my research.
What have you gained beyond your specific project outcomes?
In addition to the knowledge of methods of research, effective presentation, and ethics of research, through my REU experience I’ve gained important connections with graduate students and researchers and an extended knowledge of the possibilities of research after I graduate from college. |