Researcher of the Week: Eileen Connell

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 08:09:38 -0400

Meet Eileen,
She is an Environmental Science major and a URA Scholar. In her spare time she is an avid dancer, likes cooking with friends and working on creative projects. Her future plans is to continue her studies in population genetics and to pursue her Master's degree.

How did you find your mentor for your research project?

I took Bio-geography in Fall 2013 taught by my mentor.

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?

I was very interested in how mutation rates, spatial patterns, and migration all impacted the health of a species.

Is this your first independent research project?

Yes

How much time do you put into it?

As of this summer, just researching topics is all I have been able to do.

How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?

My friends have participated previously in the URA program.

What academic background did you have before you applied for the URA?

I applied as a Junior in College with some other summer experiences in a lab.

Was the application difficult to do?

It was a little time consuming, but well worth the time and energy to make my thoughts clear.

How much did your mentor help you with the application?

My mentor helped with proofreading and suggestions on how to convey information.

How does your research relate to your work in other classes?

There are overlapping themes with my other classes, however research allows a hands-on aspect.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?

Talk to people in the field you want to study. It does not hurt to hear about other fields as well. Simply understanding how he/she became involved in the research helps.

What are your career goals?

To graduate, to get a job I am enthusiastic about, and to receive my Masters degree later in time.

Read her abstract here...