Undergraduate Research: the Good, the Bad and the Messy

By Melissa Yencho

One of the many things I am grateful to Coastal Carolina University for is the opportunity I have had to become involved in undergraduate research. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have been able to be involved in three exciting projects. I started research with Dr. Susan Libes on eutrophication on Waites Island and the Grand Strand. The next year I was able to become involved in a molecular study of microsatellite DNA in song and seaside sparrows. This past year I have researched the osmoregulatory capabilities of sharks in Winyah Bay.

Through these experiences, I have learned many useful things. First of all, I have learned research techniques. In the field, I have learned how to properly sample bodies of water, boat skills, caudal puncture of sharks and how to improvise when problems arise. I have also learned numerous molecular techniques, analytical chemistry, physiological methodology and equipment usage in the laboratory. These skills have given me appreciation of the work that goes behind the materials and methods section of a paper that seems effortless because it fits on a page or two. I have also learned the precision and accuracy that goes behind the production of good data.

In addition to the skills I have learned, I have gained a new sense of self confidence. The ability to go into the field, collect samples and then produce viable results in the lab has helped me to grow. I now know that I can actually do science instead of memorize it from a book. This knowledge has also helped me realize that I understand science. It is now possible for me to study my science classes and make the connection between concepts learned and research I have done. Needless to say, undergraduate research has made me a better student.

I think a problem that many students have in class is to not be able to see why concepts are important. Subjects learned from a book may seem detached and inapplicable to what a student wants in life. However, if you do research, it is possible to see how different techniques and concepts can apply to personal goals and everyday life. The responsibility of undergraduate research has also made me want to learn how to improve. I remember sitting in different classes and thinking how I could use what I had just learned to make my particular study better and, believe me, it has worked.

In addition to helping me become a better student, research has helped me move on to the next step. The opportunity to become involved with a number of various projects has aided in my resume building. Next year I will be headed to a great Masters program in Marine Biology due to the fact that, in addition to proving myself in the classroom, I have proven myself in the field and the lab. I think that being able to show that I have gone that extra step and have experience made me a more marketable student.

However, it has not been completely easy. In addition to undergraduate research, I have had the pressure to keep my grades up and be involved in activities that I felt were important. At one point, something has to give and it is usually social activities and health. If it came down to the choice of studying or sleeping, I would pick studying so that I could get everything done. Although I do not think that this is a huge sacrifice to make. Scientists are known for having too much to do and too little time to do it in. So actually, this has been a good thing to help me prepare for my future. Also, I came to Coastal to make the school and myself better. One can not have goals like this and expect to be the stereotypical college party animal. Besides, no one ever shows where the stereotypical college party animal winds up after school. I personally do not want to find out. So undergraduate research has helped to keep me focused and out of trouble.

All in all, I have felt incredibly lucky to have done so much research. The bonds I have made with my professors and lab partners are strong, I have increased knowledge, my learning abilities have improved and my confidence has rose. In fact, I think that every student should be involved in some type of research in his or her undergraduate careers. It only makes things better.

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Melissa Yencho graduated from CCU in 2003 with a double major in Biology and Marine Science.