More than Findings: Research Opportunities Impact Students and Science
As they conduct their research on how past experiences impact current and future behaviors, University of Wisconsin-River Falls students Katrina Steele, Sarah Steele, Damien Anderson and Ella Johnson are not only finding answers to questions but are forming additional queries that could lead to improved outcomes for people.
The group is studying how past stresses and traumas impact substance abuse. Their research involves behaviors in rats, and their findings will likely have impacts on humans.
“With each of our findings, it leads us to more questions,” said Katrina, a senior from Bismarck, N.D., triple majoring in neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical health science. “That’s one thing we have learned from our research. You discover information and oftentimes that leads to more questions and research. And that means more knowledge about a certain topic.”
The group is currently focusing on to what degree both enriching experiences and those that cause stress impact behaviors in offspring. They have made preliminary findings but are conducting further research to more fully explore and verify their work.
They have presented their work at multiple research events, including at the Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Fall Gala in December and previous presentations in Long Beach, Calif., and Washington, D.C. They will present their work at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburgh April 7-9.
“This research is important because it can help people,” said Sarah, a junior from Hudson double majoring in neuroscience and biomedical health science. “That’s a big reason why we are motivated to do this work, because we hope it can have a real, positive impact.”
The benefits of participating in high-level, hands-on research are many, the group said. Spending countless hours in a lab focused on one project allows for more thorough understanding beyond traditional classroom learning, Damien said. Concepts learned in class can then be directly applied during research, he said.
“Doing this kind of research, you learn about a subject more deeply,” said Damien, a sophomore from Janesville majoring in neuroscience. “You learn it differently because you are actually using knowledge more directly.”
Ella Johnson, a neuroscience and psychology major from Fridley, Minn., plays a key role in the group’s work by helping facilitate the collection of data in the lab. “It’s been rewarding to be a part of research that feels meaningful,” Ella said. “Being involved in the process of gathering data really shows how every step matters, even the small ones, when you’re working toward a bigger discovery.”
Research also forces them to further their problem-solving skills, the group said. Unforeseen challenges are commonplace during research, they said, and figuring out different ways to get information is key to advancing a project.
“Doing research has taught me to not be afraid to ask questions,” Sarah said. “You learn to question results, to double and triple check them, to think critically.”
Sarah, Katrina, Damien and Ella each got involved with research early on. They were introduced to research possibilities by faculty who then served as mentors for their work. The group said they appreciate the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on high-quality research as undergraduates. Their student peers at other universities say that is often not the case where they go to school, Sarah, Katrina and Damien said.
“My friends at bigger schools, they’re like ‘You’re in the lab and you get to do all that great research?’” Katrina said. “We learn so many skills and get to do things that even some graduate students aren’t doing. I remind myself that I’m actually lucky enough to be able to have these kinds of research opportunities.”
They praised James Cortright, professor of psychological sciences, and Daniel Ehlinger, associate professor of psychological sciences, for guiding their research and mentoring them.
“They have done so much to help us, to connect with us,” Katrina said. “If I didn't have those connections, I don’t think I’d still be in school here.”
In addition to adding depth to their learning, their involvement in research has set them up to attain their future aspirations, the group said. That work also either changed or helped them solidify their plans.
Sarah arrived at UWRF as a psych major but has realized through her work that she wants to enter a doctoral degree program to study biology. Katrina wants to be a neurosurgeon, while Damien is uncertain whether he will study medicine or work in the medical field.
“My research experience taught me about problem solving and paying attention to the details,” Katrina said. “It forced me to value observation and to think critically. It got me curious in a way that is very important to future learning. I’ve also gained a sense of empathy. And those are all qualities that will help me in my future profession and in life.”