This week is week 5, and it had a good start with me being able to work with Stacy Small-Lorenz. We started writing a lab and field protocol for Soil Respiration Tests. The purpose is to test the carbon dioxide (CO2) released from the soil and measure the soil microbial activity based on methods described by Irving et al. (2024). Along with the protocol procedure, we marked out the meadow subplots from which the soil will be taken. This gave me a better understanding of the importance of consistency in scientific sampling and how carefully planned field methods help ensure reliable and accurate data collection. I also learned that even small differences in sample collection can influence research results, making standardized protocols an essential part of the scientific process.
While visiting her, I was also taught about cold stratifying, which we did to three different species of milkweed. Cold stratifying is a pre-treatment process that exposes seeds to a period of cold to simulate winter. This process helps break seed dormancy and improves germination rates once the seeds are planted. Learning the reasoning behind this technique helped me better understand how environmental conditions influence plant life cycles and seed development. These activities provided valuable hands-on experience in both field and laboratory preparation while strengthening my understanding of ecological research methods and experimental design.
(Photo example soil respiration test kit)
Source: Irving et. al. (2024). A cost-effective method for quantifying soil respiration. Soil Security. Vol. 16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soisec.2024.100162
I was also able to participate in an Aquaponics research tour and financial workshop. My mentor and I were able to follow along with Jose-Luis's research tour, during which he led a group of participants through all the greenhouses, including the aquaponics greenhouse, where they were able to gain an understanding of what aquaponics is, how it works, and ask questions. It was interesting to see how fish and plants can work together in a sustainable system that conserves water while producing food.
Afterward, Neith led the financial workshop. An interactive educational space was created to lead a seminar designed to help participants improve their professional money management. During the workshop, we discussed budgeting, saving strategies, and the importance of planning for future financial goals. I found this session essential to my learning because financial literacy is an important skill regardless of career path. Overall, this week's experiences allowed me to develop new research skills, expand my knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and gain practical life skills that will benefit me both academically and professionally, as well as be used for this internship.
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