Undergrad Research Profile- Mackenzie Jochim
Friday, October 28, 2011
Hometown: Broken Arrow
Major and College: Entomology, Pre-Veterinary Option; CASNR
Research Project: Entomopathogenic Nematode Diversity in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Assisting faculty member: Carmen Greenwood, Ph.D., Entomology
Which research award did you receive? Niblack Research Award
What have you gained from your research experience?
I have gained a lot of insight for figuring out what I am most interested in. I have
also learned a lot about the research community and the effort it takes to truly conduct
a great study. Through this research I have gained leadership skills, networking
opportunities, and have learned about my passions in the entomological field.
What has been your experience with the faculty you have been working with on the
project?
I have had a great experience with my faculty mentor. She and I have worked closely
together since I came to OSU, and she has been an exceptional resource and support
while I organize and coordinate my sampling dates and the more finite details of the
project. The graduate student I am working with has also been great, and I have been
able to go out on his trips in order to gain more hands-on experience.
How important has this been to your college experience?
I think research has been very important to my college experience. I began in Freshmen
Research Scholars and have tried to find an area of research I love so I can continue
to expand what I know. I feel research opens up a lot of opportunities for presentations
and networking that may not be as easy to come by otherwise.