How Do I Start Doing Research?

In the summer of 2021, Dr. Carie Frantz entrusted 6 undergraduate students to conduct several experiments at the Great Salt Lake to answer the question: How will record-breaking low lake levels affect Great Salt Lake microbialites and their important microbial communities?

We were split up into 3 different pairs; each team studying a specific hypothesis that would lead to the answer to our overarching question:

Team Exposure (Celina Patino and Charise Penrod),
Team Recolonization (Cecilia Gibby and Bekah Nilson), and
Team Precipitation (Aybree Huffaker and Cole Stern).

This summer research was part of the GETUP program which was designed to give underrepresented people an opportunity to experience research. During our time at this program, we were able to not only present our findings at Weber State but also share a poster of it at the Rocky Mountain meeting in Golden, Colorado. 

Undergraduate research may seem very intimidating at first. When we all showed up the first day we were all stressed out and full of self-doubt: Were we even capable enough to be working with Dr. Frantz? Some of us even had completely different careers before this summer. However, all of us can agree that this summer has been one of the best experiences of our college career thus far. Not only did we grow individually and learn many things, but we also grew as a team and learned how to work with each other. We highly encourage students to participate in undergraduate research, you won’t regret it.

 

Student's experiences participating in this program:

Cole Stern: I had a vague idea going into this research that it was, in some ways, a test of what I wanted out of my degree. I had never done scientific research of any sort and had no idea how much I would like the experience. I was worried that I would hate it, that I would find research tedious and regret going into a field in which it was so integral. Over the course of the four weeks, I became utterly enamored with research and was amazed by the trust and patience Dr. Frantz showed in allowing us to run headlong into the project. With Dr. Frantz’s guidance and hands-on experience with lab equipment, I learned more in one month than I had in entire semesters. When we went to the Rocky Mountain Geobiology Symposium to present our summer research it was one of the most validating experiences of my life. Being able to sit in the room with graduate students and faculty from across the nation and speak on equal terms made me realize how far I’d come from the beginning of the program. The GETUP experience has galvanized me to the cause of scientific research and I’m thrilled that I get to continue this research with my lab partner Aybree and Dr. Frantz over the course of an entire semester. If you have the opportunity to be part of this program or undergraduate research of any kind I highly recommend taking part. You will learn more than you thought possible and have a remarkable time doing so.

Aybree Huffaker: I had declared my geoscience major at the beginning of the pandemic so my experience in the field, and quite frankly even in the classroom, was non-existent which made me very nervous to participate in this project. Undergraduate research was something that I thought was exclusive to seniors so when I was presented this opportunity, even though I was nervous, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I’m very glad I applied and was chosen as it’s given me insight into how I want to spend my time at Weber State and what comes after undergrad. Dr. Frantz is not only extremely knowledgeable about Great Salt Lake research, but she is so willing to help students who truly have no previous knowledge succeed in the research that they are doing. Due to this one summer project, I’ve had the opportunity to continue my research throughout the semester, attend the annual geobiology conference in Colorado, which might I add, not a lot of undergraduate students get to participate in, and meet lifelong friends and colleagues. I could never recommend this program enough. Being in the field gives students so much insight as to what research looks like and the different avenues that Earth and Environmental scientists can take.

Cecilia Gibby: Going into this program I was very fearful that I would discover that I actually hated my major and would have to start all over. In high school I had never taken any classes about Environmental Science, it had always just been a side interest so I was always worried that when I actually started doing things in the field I would actually hate it. Luckily this was not the case, the program made me fall in love with the Earth sciences even more. Dr. Frantz was so kind and patient with me and was constantly teaching me new and exciting things. However, even at the end of the program, I was still really nervous about going to the Rocky Mountain Conference. I knew that most of the people participating in it were graduate students working towards their master's degrees and sometimes even PhDs. I felt like the work I did on our research seemed useless compared to the others there. However, Dr. Fratnz encouraged us to really pay attention and just use this as an opportunity to grow and learn. Once I was able to stop comparing myself to the others I was able to learn so many new and interesting things, some of which my partner and I will apply to our research this semester. Undergraduate research used to intimidate me a lot, it seemed so out of my reach and that I could never be qualified enough to do it. However, that’s the whole point of undergraduate research, you will always be underqualified to do it. In my opinion, it is the best way to learn outside of the classroom and as you continue to do undergraduate research you will continue to grow and become more confident in your skills. And I know one day that the scary graduate students I look up to will be me someday.

Bekah Nilson: I came into this experience not knowing what to expect. I hadn’t taken any classes that gave me an idea of what my major was like and I was still debating if I wanted to go into environmental science. I was initially an astrophysics major so the fields are quite different. During this experience, I fell in love with doing research and learning about the small things that not a lot of people study. I learned so much about what I want to do for the rest of my life. Two months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to have an intellectual conversation with someone in this department. Now, it comes easy to me and I’m able to learn so much more. Dr. Frantz was so welcoming and patient with all of us. She really motivated me to do my best in the program and in my major. When we went to Golden, Colorado for the Annual Rocky Mountain Geobiology Symposium, I was incredibly excited to meet more educated peers in the same department as myself. It was shocking to find out that it's not common for undergraduates to participate. It made me feel so unqualified at first as an undergraduate being surrounded by people who are receiving their masters and PhDs. However, going was incredibly worth it because I got to make connections with those who have already done what I’m about to do. I can go to them for connections, assistance, and just general advice. This entire experience has been the best possible thing for me in discovering what I love. I love learning in the field hands-on and I think everyone should get an opportunity to do so in their chosen field.

Celina Patino: When I applied for the GETUP Research Program I was a declared Botany major. I was undecided on whether I would continue the Botany program or shift my degree to one in which there was more ecological diversity in the curriculum. The GETUP research program seemed to be a great opportunity for me to dive in and experience first-hand what another field would be like. The program was fast-paced, educational and exposed us to a myriad of different testing methods most undergraduate’s usually do not have the opportunity to perform. I must say, I felt very unsure about my own abilities almost every step of the way. We would do so much each day, it wasn’t until almost the end of the program that I was able to really assimilate what we had done, why, and what it meant. I can gladly say, I now feel much more confident about my ability to conduct research. Dr. Carie Frantz’s mentorship was the single most meaningful and impactful experience. She exemplified what it is to be a thorough, thoughtful, and curious researcher while maintaining a light-hearted and jovial demeanor. She consistently provided experiences that allowed me to grow and be challenged while providing the perfect amount of support to not become overwhelmed or distraught. The TA’s, Laura and Lana, were very much involved in the ultimate success of the program as well, providing the support and knowledge necessary to accomplish all of our tasks (as well as comedic relief). I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a great group of individuals. This unforgettable experience allowed me to appreciate the work that goes into research. I enjoyed this program so much that I have now decided to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and keep Botany as my minor instead. I am forever grateful to Dr. Frantz, and the Earth and Environmental Science Department, for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the GETUP program. I very much look forward to continuing doing undergraduate research and pursuing a career that incorporates research investigations.