Why I Choose Environmental Biology Graduate Program

Earth has always intrigued me; how can a place be resourceful and destructive at the same time? I fascinated the connection between living organisms and various phenomenal which turn out to be pieces of the same puzzle. Yet, studying environmental science has a new purpose: survival. Today, we must be aware of our actions and consequences toward the environment. Our ignorance has led to many irreversible changes. Studying the environment in a scientific way can help us be informed and find a more sustainable lifestyle. Another importance environmental science is the education of global issues. As scientists, we should use media such as journals or (inter)national conferences to communicate the results to the public. It is our responsibilities to keep the Earth a healthy and productive home for many generations to come.

At the University of Colorado, I have involved in rigorous lectures and labs in cellular and genetic biology as requirements for the Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCBD) major. With my second major in Biochemistry, I also had coursework in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. The undergraduate courses and associated lab work have provided me with a variety of techniques such as plasmid purification, transfection, targeted knockout, PCR, RT-PCR, NMR, UV-Vic, fluorescence, transmission/emission spectrum etc.

Besides coursework, I also participated in a research about improving CrO2 synthesis in Dr Michael Marshak's group. CrO2, though has many potential applications like spintronics and lithium-ion batteries, is expensive and hard to synthesize without toxic by-products. The research depends upon both organic and inorganic chemistry techniques for synthesizing, identification, and purification of compounds. Also, I also gained valuable experience in writing grant proposals which were proven to be an integral part of my career. During my senior year, I worked under Dr Joy Power in a microbiology project using Tetrahymena as the model. Our group worked with live cells to explore the mechanism of Tetrahymena in response to external stimuli. Though our group began the project with basic understandings, reading journal articles had increased my knowledge of the topic (signaling pathway of Tetrahymena) and helped us overcome several experimental challenges. At the end of the year, we presented our results to other students and faculties at the MCDB department.

Not only I have experiences in chemistry, biochemistry and biology lab techniques, I also involved in many programs outside of the lab to make these techniques eco-friendlier. As a student assistant at the Environmental Health and Safety Department and program assistant of CU Green Labs Program, I was one of the leading members of the Solvent Recycling Program that helps hundreds of labs save money by recycling solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and methanol for free. Moreover, I was one of the first members of the Chemical Management and Sharing Program which has been funded by the school board to eliminate unnecessary chemical purchases and promote reusing of chemicals. In both programs, the job required me to work with lab instructors to meet their need as well as handle a large number of chemicals and solvent on a daily basis. Plus, with my background, I was also involved in testing and identifying the prurition of compounds using MNR and IR before transporting them. Both programs have been recognized nationally and internationally; hence, my team and I was able to present the programs at the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratory in 2017. Throughout the years, these experiences affirmed my interest in working in the lab, especially in the environmental biology field. I am particularly fascinated by how climate change impacts the ecosystem as global warming becomes a pressing issue. With my background, I wish to learn more about the ecosystem through a better understanding of organism interactions with each other or with the chemicals around them. I would love to have a chance to use my knowledge of independent research for mentorship in the environmental science field.

My personal belief is that a journal or research paper has only fulfilled half its job if it cannot inspire another student to explore and continue the ideas. Hence, the experience as a graduate student will help me to move toward my passion for science and ignite the same passion in other students to expand the future of science education. I am confident that my education, research, and professional experiences have prepared me for a graduate program at the University of Regina. While browsing for a biology/environmental science graduate program, I have come to notice the uniqueness of the graduate program at the University of Regina. The program provides a balance of academic education and real-world experience through an array of courses and the access to the aquatics facilities such as the Environmental Quality Analysis Laboratory (EQAL), and the Institute of Environmental Change and Society (IECS).

Moreover, the collaborations with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory create an innovative working environment for students, allowing them to not only establish new ideas but also pushing boundaries between multiple fields. Most importantly, I love the close-knit environment of the biology graduate program at the University of Regina. The supportive atmosphere between research groups on campus and/or between research groups and other scientific organizations in Southern Saskatchewan is perfect for a person who appreciates the value of helping each other and the willingness to ask for help when needed like me. After getting an offer for a position in your university by Dr. Britt Hall for her upcoming project in measuring the biomass and Hg transport out of prairie wetland ponds by dragonflies, which align with my interest about animal interaction, I want to call the University of Regina home for the next four years. I believe the setting at the University of Regina will help me interact and develop a better relationship with my instructor, helping me develop a style of mentorship of my own while gaining further knowledge in the environmental biology field.