Meet Victoria,
She is a Chemical Engineering major, a Biology minor and is also a URA Scholar. She is the treasurer for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and a member of Hooplah. This past summer, she worked as an Orientation Peer Advisor and a Welcome Week Woolie. Previously, She was the treasurer for the UMBC Wushu and Tai-Chi Club.
How did you find your mentor for your research project?
During Spring 2013, I checked in with my advisor, Dr. Bayles, and expressed interest in doing research. She knew that I was on the biotechnology track for chemical engineering so she suggested that I look into Dr. Marten’s lab, which mainly deals with fungal biology and industrial uses of filamentous fungi. Her guidance was essential in my placement in Dr. Marten’s lab.
When I met Dr. Marten, I demonstrated my enthusiasm for learning about research and he graciously allowed me into his lab. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with a team and I’ve been a part of his lab since June 2013.
Is this your first independent research project?
Yes, this is my first independent project. Although this URA project is technically independent, its success is reliant on not only me and Nicholas Rogers. Without our team of hardworking undergraduates, our project would never meet an end.
How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?
Nicholas applied for the URA the previous year, in order to fund the preceding project. This project yielded products which are integral in our current project. When I joined MartenLab, Nicholas had told me about this program and we applied for it together.
What has been the hardest part about your research?
The hardest part of our research would be figuring out where something went wrong. Sometimes, finding a solution to a problem is easy to pinpoint but most of the time, it is incredibly difficult. However, when a problem is solved, it is satisfying to know that the project can continue.
What was the most unexpected thing?
The most unexpected thing about my research is the cohesiveness of our team. We are able to cooperate well with each other to move our project forward with minimal conflict. Their perspective and work on our project is essential.
What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Seek out research opportunities and keep a positive attitude. Browse departmental profiles, email advisors and talk to professors, all under the assumption that a lab position is attainable. I certainly would not have the chance to work in a lab if I didn’t believe I could and if I simply stayed in my room. By taking the initiative, my fate in research was not left to chance and I was able to be involved with a field I never considered before.
Read her abstract here...
