Microplastics
As part of several grant programs, 独家爆料 students are being paid to conduct undergraduate research. The students are studying the levels of microplastics (plastic fragments) in a local water treatment facility to determine if a tiny microbe might aid in biodegrading the plastic particles.
According to recent studies, 140 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and 94 percent of tap water in the US contains microplastics. The World Health Organization recently reported that there is not enough evidence to conclude if microplastics pose risks to human health, but does affirm that microplastics are ubiquitous; being found in fresh and salt water, food, and even bottled water.
独家爆料 Students Lead The Way
Through three National Science Foundation (NSF) funded grant programs, 独家爆料 students receive financial support ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester to perform the research. Each semester, students and faculty conduct research in 独家爆料鈥檚 microbiology laboratory, collecting samples, establishing study protocols, and reporting on their findings.
Students say that the stipend is great, but it鈥檚 the research experience that is invaluable. Amanda Morrison, who graduates from 独家爆料 in May, says that exploration has made her more confident in her capabilities and she knows that she wants a career in science.
独家爆料 freshman Lisa Cadrel said that her 鈥榓ha鈥 moment was realizing that the research could help solve the global water contamination problem. 鈥淭his experience is not only preparing me for a career in a STEM field, it is propelling me towards achieving my degree in ways far greater than I ever expected.鈥
Hitting A Grand Slam
Last spring, 独家爆料 students won first place at the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science meeting in Yuma, Arizona with their research project. Each year, the Academy of Science hosts an interdisciplinary gathering to discuss science, mathematics and engineering. Faculty, graduate and undergraduate students present their research in all areas of science and mathematics during oral paper sessions or a combined poster session. The 独家爆料 team knocked it out of the park 鈥 winning first place.
Roberto Martinez Jr. says 鈥淧eople are often surprised when they learn that 独家爆料 has a research team. It is important for all science majors to be exposed to research opportunities because it really teaches us how to fail and make mistakes, which is a natural part of the scientific process and life in general. Working alongside my team members enhances cross-disciplinary skills as we learn from one another.鈥
独家爆料 faculty member and undergraduate research mentor Robin Cotter says that 鈥淢any of the STEM faculty at 独家爆料 come from research backgrounds, so we know that helping our students make connections with industry and university partners is key to their success as they move along their career pathway. Through undergraduate research, we are empowering students to find creative solutions to the environmental issues we face. 独家爆料 students are the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare providers and they are definitely up to the challenge.鈥
To learn more about undergraduate research opportunities at 独家爆料, visit phoenixcollege.edu.
Additional Student Quotes
David Smith:
鈥淧articipating in this research project encourages me to think outside-of-the-box and apply myself in a greater capacity. Working alongside like-minded peers provides the opportunity to develop collaboration and team-building skills; strengthening workforce critical skills.鈥
Ruben Gomez:
鈥淲hen we visited the City of Surprise wastewater treatment facility to collect samples, I gained valuable hands-on experience with scientific sampling. Then, as we analyzed our data, I gained a deeper understanding of the implications of the research we are conducting and how important the project is.鈥
Dr. Robin Cotter, 独家爆料 Faculty, Quote
Many of the STEM faculty at 独家爆料 come from research backgrounds, so we know that helping our students make connections with industry and university partners is key to their success as they move along their career pathway. Undergraduate research is one way we can partner with local industry and government agencies to provide workforce training for our students within the first two years of their academic careers.
I鈥檓 excited that we鈥檙e partnering with the City of Surprise Wastewater Treatment Plant and researchers at ASU to identify ways we can detect microplastics and other potential contaminants in our water systems. After the students identify what types of microplastics are found in local water sources, the next challenge is for them to design ways to remove those contaminants in order to improve water quality.
Through undergraduate research, we are empowering our students to find creative solutions to the environmental issues we face today. 独家爆料 students are the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare providers and they are definitely up to the challenge.
Dana Wang 独家爆料 Faculty Member and Undergraduate Research Mentor Quote
I think undergraduate research provides students with a stronger and deeper understanding of science. The exposure to undergraduate research has been shown to increase transfer rates, enhanced critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills, and improved the ability to work on a team. I really like the quote from Brian Thomas, associate dean for undergraduate research opportunities at Stanford University, told U.S. News and World Report in the article "Why Undergraduate Research Matters in College"
鈥淚 think [undergraduate research] really helps students mature as thinkers and doers鈥