By Andi Anderson
Two Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) faculty members, Dr. Sara Mastellar and Dr. Uttara Samarakoon, recently served as mentors in the 2023 OSU Research Internship Program (ORIP). This prestigious program offers high school and undergraduate students an opportunity to gain invaluable research experience and explore potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Through a combination of hands-on laboratory and field research, weekly seminars, and a culminating symposium, these young scientists delved into diverse scientific disciplines and gained a deeper understanding of research methodology.
The research projects tackled by the interns were wide-ranging and covered topics such as:
- The impact of water stress on trees and their susceptibility to invasive insects.
- Unraveling the cellular mechanisms of Rotavirus A.
- Developing DNA-based strategies for selecting plants resistant to diseases.
- Investigating the characteristics of a fungal pathogen responsible for Beech Leaf Disease.
- Identifying and understanding the species of fungus gnats that harm mushroom farms.
- Exploring the influence of meal frequency on horse behavior.
- Detecting the Green Peach Aphid using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology.
- Examining the effect of co-cultured bacteria on iron uptake in plants.
- Monitoring the spread of the destructive Spotted Lanternfly in Ohio vineyards.
- Leveraging eDNA to detect the presence of the Twospotted Spider Mite.
- Analyzing the impact of nitrate and lactate supplementation on the digestive process of animals.
The ORIP program provides a unique and invaluable opportunity for young people to:
- Develop essential research skills and gain practical experience in a scientific setting.
- Explore their passion for science and discover potential career paths in STEM fields.
- Contribute to groundbreaking research and address critical challenges confronting society.
The program is managed centrally through the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Office for Research and Graduate Education, and is overseen by Alexis Didinger (Administrative Associate) and Dr. Michelle Jones (Professor). It is open to diverse students from various backgrounds and academic interests, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
The Ohio State ATI faculty are deeply committed to providing students with access to research opportunities and preparing them for successful careers in science. Their active participation in programs like ORIP demonstrates their dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovative scientists and leaders in the field.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-d-keine.
Categories: Ohio, Education