John Gardner
Year in school:
senior
Major degree program/department:
environmental science and geography (biology minor)
Faculty mentor:
Robert J. Kremer, PhD, soil, environmental and atmospheric science (SEAS)
How did you get involved with undergraduate research?
Towards the end of my freshman year, I began searching for involvement that would relate to my career development. As a biological science major (at the time), research interested me and, fortunately, I discovered there was an infinite amount of research options offered at the University of Missouri. I utilized the job postings on the Office of Undergraduate Research Web site and emailed every professor that was conducting interesting research, asked those professors if they knew of any other professors looking for help and I communicated with my own professors. After several persistent weeks I finally met with a professor in the biochemistry department and started what would be an extremely rewarding experience and the impetus for other involvement at Mizzou.
On what kinds of projects have you worked?
I have worked on two different independent research projects with two different labs, one biochemistry the other soil microbiology. Both of them were initiated as LSUROP research internships. In the biochemistry proteomics lab, I researched proteins involved the cell signaling pathways of Arabidopysis that occur in an immune response to pathogens such as bacteria. The overall goal of my project was to provide evidence that punitive phosphoproteins are phosphorylated in response the bacterial peptide, flagellum. However, biochemistry research is a dynamic, problem-solving process; therefore given the nature of biochemistry and the scope of the project, it morphed into the development of tools necessary to conduct my proposed experiment. Currently, my project is part of a soil microbiology lab. I am developing a molecular technique to analyze nitrifying bacteria in forest soils and determining the impact of forest management (single -tree or clear-cut) on the nitrifying bacteria populations.
Why is this experience so valuable to you?
My research has been a significant part of my undergraduate experience. The research that I have conducted has been very involved and challenging. I believe this challenge has forced me to learn a tremendous amount, more than any class can provide. The overall research experience including my internships is also valuable for my future. I feel that I have a head start on my career as an undergraduate researcher and the internships have given me experience with writing research proposals and other aspects of research that may be overlooked at the undergraduate level. Furthermore, I have learned how research functions holistically, refined my interests and developed relationships with professors.
What advice would you offer to other students considering undergraduate research?
Choose very carefully the professors and labs you apply to work in making sure it is a project that is exciting and interesting. The earlier you can get involved, the better. Even if your interests change, get involved and experience research. Meet the professors in person armed with knowledge about their research and try to develop a relationship with your chosen mentor. Understand that research can be overwhelming and over your head at first, but as you are exposed to primary literature you become more comfortable and knowledgeable. Also, it is important to realize that research and science is a process meaning that not everyone makes earth-shattering discoveries, but we are all crucial parts of the process that leading up to such events and societal progress. Remember to utilize all that the research ambassadors and office of undergraduate research has to offer.
