SURE Award Reflections by

Enhancing the Synthesis of Robust Oligomers of Sialic Acid (ROSAs)

2024-10-21 20:29:16 UTC

I am honored to receive the 2024 College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (SURE)

Summer Undergraduate Research Award. The privilege of having a funded research

position for summer 2024 allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of chemistry, new laboratory techniques, and how to successfully collaborate with a team. I was able to focus on my research and enjoy the learning experience without financial stress. My SURE project advanced my progress in my undergraduate degree program by providing me with additional experience within the lab, as well as team skills, that I can carry into future classes. Through research, my love and fascination for the subject of chemistry continues to grow. This hands-on experience was incredible and provided additional motivation for me to become a professor in the future. The skills I gained throughout the summer enhanced my education in biochemistry, as well as provided me with an excellent start to my future endeavors, which include earning a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry. I strive to become a professor in the field of science and share my passion for topics such as chemistry with our future generations.

Mechanical Testing of Plastics Degradation Under UV Exposure

2024-10-25 19:07:03 UTC

Having the opportunity to do research summer 2024 was a rewarding experience. Funding for the research through the SURE program helped me to afford essential needs such as food, transportation, and housing. This allowed me to better focus on my research goals with reduced stress on my daily needs. Working on my SURE project allowed me to deepen my understanding of the subject material I have been learning and practice the skills I have developed here at Sacramento State University. I gained an appreciation for the research process and formed new skills in planning, executing, and reporting on a research project. These skills have translated into understanding the classwork in a new way that applies to real life. The SURE program has given me insight into different avenues of research I hadn’t considered before. I previously had a specific type of research in mind after graduation but now I’m looking forward to experiencing different fields of study throughout my career. I am extremely appreciative for the opportunity to do funded research through the SURE program and recommend every student participate in research.

Spanning Tree Enumerator of Descendants of Weighted Complete Graphs

2024-10-26 03:47:57 UTC

Having a SURE award this summer has helped me tremendously in conducting the research. I come from alow-income family background, so this funding allowed me to dedicate myself to research. The funding also reduced the financial stress of my family as I was able to support my family financially over this summer. As a mathematics and computer science major, conducting this research gave me more insights and knowledge of both mathematics and computer science. Although graph theory is a branch of mathematics, it is also widely used in computer science to analyze algorithms, observe patterns in data, and represent networks (internet). It also gave me an understanding of what math research involves. I learned to search and read literature. I learned how to use literature to locate relevant techniques useful for the research. I also learned how to use existing literature to advance the research. Furthermore, through the research in graph theory, I learned its deep and intricate connections with many other fields, combinatorics, algebra, number theory, and even quantum field theory. Finally, together with my co-authors, I was able to complete my first research manuscript, and it has been submitted to a journal to be considered for publication. This research journey has broadened my academic comprehension. Most importantly, it taught me how to conduct research.

Examining the molecular mechanisms of the gut-brain axis in Drosophila—determining the influence of short chain fatty acids and oxidative stress

2024-10-26 13:38:00 UTC

Receiving the 2024 College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (SURE) Summer Undergraduate Research award had a transformative impact on me, both personally and academically. The challenges I faced in my research project allowed me to grow as an independent researcher, challenged my problem-solving abilities, and gave me new knowledge and understanding in my field. Research is difficult and can feel frustrating, but this experience taught me how to persevere through setbacks. I learned that repetitive failure is part of the process, and overcoming the challenges showed me that I was stronger than I initially thought. The SURE project also directly contributed to my progress towards completing my undergraduate degree by igniting my passion for research and it reminded me why I love what I do, even when the work gets difficult. This motivation helped me stay focused and persistent, and it allowed me to see how the concepts I learn in the classroom can be applied and understood in a lab-based setting. I also feel more capable of independently carrying out experiments while also knowing when and how to reach out to others for advice–something that has made me a more effective and collaborative scientist. This skill will also cross over into my career goals and later pursuit of a PhD. Additionally, this research experience helped me develop a clearer sense of the specific research topics I want to explore and how I can contribute to the scientific community through my own efforts and hard work.

2024-10-27 21:36:55 UTC

Microplastic contamination in alpine lakes:

Investigating land use impacts in the Trinity Alps

The opportunity to have a funded research position for the summer of 2024 positively impacted me in many ways. It provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in the field, gaining essential technical skills by learning to use various tools and methodologies relevant to my field. Working alongside experienced researchers provided me with valuable mentorship, enhancing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and opened the door to networking with like-minded individuals in different fields of work. The financial support allowed me to focus entirely on my research this summer, free from the burden of needing to work full time, which enabled me to complete a comprehensive research project. My research project provided essential research skills such as data collection, analysis, and effective time management strategies, all of which will positively benefit me on progressing and completing my undergraduate degree. Completing my summer undergraduate research project has provided valuable skills that are highly transferable to many career paths, making me a competitive candidate in the job market. Collaborating with my mentor expanded my professional network and provided connections that can later lead to job opportunities, internships, and other research opportunities.

Using Sediment pH to Infer Paleo Fires: Exploring Ash Impact

2024-10-28 16:04:12 UTC

Having a funded research position through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) made a positive impact on academic and personal development. The funding helped me to focus completely on my research project without worrying about financial stress for the project. It helped me to enhance my research skills, critical thinking, and it also provided a platform for my professional growth. I presented my research work through a poster presentation at Association of Pacific Coast Geographers (APCG) conference.

The Sure Project has significantly contributed to my undergraduate degree progress by offering practical hands-on experience in the field of geography. Furthermore, presenting my work at the APCG conference helped me to develop communication skills, presentation skills, and helped me to build connections with professionals in the field of geography. Gaining hands on practical experience through SURE program can help me to complete my degree with higher level experience.

I am aiming to pursue my masters in paleoclimatology and the SURE program has helped me to enhance my resume. It can help me to pursue my graduate degree in well known institutions. SURE program has also solidified my interest in making a career in the field of research. SURE program not only enhanced my research skills but also opened door for future opportunities.

Epoxidation Reactions Using an Iron Catalyst

2024-10-28 23:09:31 UTC

Having a funded research position for summer 2024 allowed me to focus on research and gain valuable experience. I was able to spend more time in the lab and learned what it was like to fully focus on research. During this time, I was able to fine-tune my research skills to collect publication-quality data for future publications. Working on my SURE project has helped me build a stronger relationship with the Chemistry department. I had the chance to better know people in the stockroom, technicians for the instruments, and, most importantly, my PI and other faculty members. After the summer, I feel more connected to the Chemistry department and more supported toward the completion of my undergraduate degree. The SURE award also allowed me to gather enough data to present at the 2024 NSM Research Symposium and to submit an abstract for the 2025 Spring ACS meeting. Through this experience, I was able to develop independence and critical thinking skills in lab, which will be critical when conducting research as a PhD student. Working on my SURE project of metal cluster catalysts has solidified my plans of pursuing future studies on organometallic chemistry and catalysis.

Bioapatite Thermometer in the Modern World

2024-10-29 20:44:40 UTC

Doing the summer 2024 SURE project was a beneficial and positive experience for me. Having a funded research position for summer 2024 through SURE affected me positively by funding my senior thesis research and allowing me to work on my research and not have to worry about juggling a part-time summer job. While working in Dr. Griffin’s lab I learned valuable skills such as: laboratory safety, processing research samples, collecting water samples and preparing them for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, and teaching students new to the project how to process research samples. The biggest impact SURE has had on the completion of my undergraduate degree in Geology was helping me decide to pursue a senior thesis. Working on my SURE project has given me an idea of what a master’s thesis project could look like, and it has also shown me that working in a laboratory could be a fulfilling job for me. I am grateful for the opportunities that the summer 2024 SURE project has brought me.

Comparison of Amyloid Formation in Human and Canine Apolipoprotein A-I

2024-10-30 00:38:29 UTC

I spent nearly two semesters in Dr. Roberts’ lab before undertaking my SURE summer research project. Reflecting on the experience, I now see significant growth in my laboratory skills and perspective. During the fall and spring semesters, my lab hours were limited as I tried to balance classes, work, and research so my time in the lab was constrained. However, having a funded research position for the summer of 2024 allowed me to fully immerse myself in research without the pressures of work, making it a transformative experience. With dedicated time in the lab, I was able to advance my skills through repeated practice and troubleshoot experimental problems within my project. Working on the SURE project gave me a short preview of what it means to do research and boosted my skills such as presentation skills for the NSM Symposium. The SURE project positively impacted my academic progress toward completing my Biology Science degree by boosting my confidence and competency in key areas such as laboratory techniques and presentation skills, which are also essential for my future career goal. This experience reinforced my aspiration to pursue a professional role in a laboratory setting after graduation.

Evaluation Of Cell Elongation Due To Environmental Stress In An Emerging Human Pathogen, Paraclostridium bifermentans

2024-10-30 04:37:52 UTC

This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the SURE Award program, where I worked on my project “Evaluation of Cell Elongation Due to Environmental Stress in an Emerging Human Pathogen, Paraclostridium bifermentans”. Being awarded a funded research position allowed me to fully dedicate myself to accomplishing my research aims without worrying about financial pressures or maintaining other employment. Working on my SURE project advanced my undergraduate degree program by allowing me to develop valuable hands-on experience through designing experiments for fluorescent staining, operating an epifluorescent microscope, using the programs ImageJ and Prism for data analysis, and engaging with academic literature in my field of study. The skills that I gained from my experience in the SURE program have been beneficial in my current courses such as Microbiology where I am required to read and understand academic literature. Participation in the SURE Award program has solidified my plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research because it gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in independent research, learn to troubleshoot challenges that arise, and has given me a peek into the role of a responsible researcher. My experience reinforced my desire to contribute to the advancing field of pharmaceuticals.

Investigations Into the First Total Synthesis of Lorneic Acid F

2024-10-30 05:28:50 UTC

Working on my SURE project this summer allowed me to practice my laboratory technique as well as my ability to take initiative. Taking on more responsibility such as helping train new students and manage the needs of the lab, has helped me develop my leadership and time management skills. The ability to delegate tasks and maintain a lab space while also keeping up with my own project will serve me in my future academic efforts. Furthermore, the skills that I have worked on and gained during my time in research this summer has helped me be a better student. The work done over the summer has not technically advanced my progression to getting my BS in Chemistry, however the skills I used this summer have certainly made me a better student by improving my time management and organizational skills. In conclusion, my SURE project has only strengthened my determination to get my PhD in chemistry. Despite how difficult and time-consuming working on the project this summer may have been, it allowed me to understand what pursuing a career in academia may look like, and I greatly enjoyed it.

Everything GUD Happens After Dark

2024-10-30 05:50:18 UTC

It was such an honor to have received the NSM SURE Award. Partaking in a research position, specifically field work, this summer was one of the most rewarding experiences I have been a part of. It has always been a passion of mine to work with animals, this position allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience with kangaroo rats in the field. Working closely with Dr. Collins and MS student Madison Thompson at our field site has provided me with a new set of remarkable skills. I have gained experience in animal handling, critical thinking, new profound knowledge of the ecological world and animal behavior, and skills in the lab such as MATLAB. This experience has strengthened my desire to work in the Biologyfield, specifically the research world, as I find it extremely rewarding. This summer position will serve as valuable experience as I plan to apply to a research graduate program. This experience has also heavily influenced my desire to concentrate on animal behavior. My time in the field was an unforgettable experience that has taught me so much, and I am incredibly honored to have been a part of the SURE Program.

How Burrows of an Introduced Ecosystem Engineer Affect Survivorship of Intertidal Species

2024-10-30 07:43:49 UTC

Being a SURE 2024 awardee presented by the college of NSM at Sac State was an experience I’ll forever cherish. I am very thankful to have been awarded funds for my research position, as it allowed me to work around 20 hours/week on my project, while still being able to afford all my bills and necessities as an undergraduate student. Working on my SURE project helped me build and develop new skills to help me understand ecological concepts on a deeper level than from just being in the classroom. I am thankful for my mentor, Dr. Davidson, who assisted me in hands-on experience both in the field and in the lab. Additionally, I was able to strengthen my computer skills using R studio for data analysis. Being able to see up close the impacts of an invasive intertidal species on its community and analyzing the effects is something I could not have done without the help from the SURE program. I am now more confident in my research skills to continue pursuing my career of being a wildlife biologist and excited to see what the future holds.

Generating And Characterizing CRISPR/Cas-9 Knock-Out Mutants for the Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF) Genes in model Moss species Physcomitrium patens

2024-10-30 19:01:35 UTC

Having a funded research position allowed me to dedicate time and focus to my research that I never had before. As a financially independent student, working on a volunteer basis in a research lab restricted the amount of time I could give to the research process, so acquiring funding allowed me to grow my passion for experimentation in genetics. Spending more time in the laboratory helped me gain the skills and experience needed in my field of work and helped me to feel as though I was contributing to something greater in the plant science community.

Working on my SURE project allowed me to have a greater understanding of many of the courses I have taken and am currently taking. Diving deep into experimental gene editing technology gave me an intimate knowledge of the nuance behind much of the material in my courses and has given me a level of confidence in the classroom laboratory setting that other students might not have.

My SURE experience has gifted me with the certainty that I want to continue to be a researcher into my future career. I hope to use the skills I have developed over this past summer to launch me into a graduate program and subsequently a research position in the scientific field I have been primed for.

Reconstructing Precolonial Forest Dynamics and Wildfire Significance in the Western Klamath Mountains

nsmds01 — 2024-10-30 23:44:10 UTC

Having a funded research position for summer has taught me a lot about how the research process works and the step by step that must be followed. I also learned the importance of building a good relationship with your professor because being able to be comfortable enough to ask them questions is a reassuring thing to have. Working on my SURE project made me have more drive and interest for the subject matter I am learning at school and gave me more confidence in myself and my work. I am much better at being able to partition my work out and find time to prioritize my studies. Although I am still not certain about where I am going to end up in the future, the award has solidified the importance of school to me and how I am really looking forward to going to graduate school after I am able to get working and save up enough money for it. Overall, I thank this program for the opportunity I was given to do something I never thought I would be able to do, which was work with my professor to do fieldwork and enjoy a new type of work environment.