I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Life Science Scholars (LSS) program for my first year as a UVM student. We had similar schedules with the other people in our program, which gave us a glimpse of what it may be like to have scientific colleagues and partners. There was enough diversity in the program with students comprising zoology, neuroscience, and biological science majors.
In our fall semester, we took a class studying Nobel Prize scientists and the work they did to achieve their award. From covering topics of plant circadian rhythms to green fluorescent protein markers, there was always an excitement of what new topic we were going to dive into. To wrap up the class, we got to research and create a presentation on a Nobel laureate who we were interested in. I chose Charles Richet, who discovered anaphylaxis and its mechanisms.
However, in the spring semester, we became the researchers as a part of CURE, which stood for course-based undergraduate experience. We worked in small groups to work on different marine bioacoustic related projects. My group decided to research the whistle variation of pantropical spotted dolphins in different locations throughout Central America. In science, there are many issues that come up and learning how to deal with them is a key attribute of good scientists. The COVID-19 pandemic came in the middle of our data collection period. We had to communicate effectively and make the best of our situation. Fortunately, we were able to finish our project, but the whole experience taught me an essential lesson in the importance of adaptability and that science is far from linear.
The entire year of being in the LSS program taught me many things in relationships, research, scientific writing, and helped me grow as a student at UVM. I would greatly recommend applying for LSS and the CURE course as you never know how much you can grow from one opportunity.
In our fall semester, we took a class studying Nobel Prize scientists and the work they did to achieve their award. From covering topics of plant circadian rhythms to green fluorescent protein markers, there was always an excitement of what new topic we were going to dive into. To wrap up the class, we got to research and create a presentation on a Nobel laureate who we were interested in. I chose Charles Richet, who discovered anaphylaxis and its mechanisms.
However, in the spring semester, we became the researchers as a part of CURE, which stood for course-based undergraduate experience. We worked in small groups to work on different marine bioacoustic related projects. My group decided to research the whistle variation of pantropical spotted dolphins in different locations throughout Central America. In science, there are many issues that come up and learning how to deal with them is a key attribute of good scientists. The COVID-19 pandemic came in the middle of our data collection period. We had to communicate effectively and make the best of our situation. Fortunately, we were able to finish our project, but the whole experience taught me an essential lesson in the importance of adaptability and that science is far from linear.
The entire year of being in the LSS program taught me many things in relationships, research, scientific writing, and helped me grow as a student at UVM. I would greatly recommend applying for LSS and the CURE course as you never know how much you can grow from one opportunity.
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