For a Start

El Yunque, Puerto Rico

Spring semester '09 an opportunity presented itself to assist a group of researchers (lovingly called the Snailers) in a Puerto Rican Forest and while I was there I could conduct my senior research project in any spare time that would be available. I jumped on board like any scientist in the making would do. Many asked "Why?" on the basis that I am a molecular biology major and not required to take such classes as Ecology and Environmental Conservation, as environmental biology maors are required to do. My answer to them is, "It's a learning experience."

Most medical/molecular biology majors spend much of their time in the lab with tissue, bacteria, viruses, etc. and later in professional programs (Vet school, Pharmacy, etc) still spend much of their time in the lab or with people or animals. Many med/molec majors enjoy the luxuries of air-conditioned facilities and lunch breaks to restaurants throughout their time as a student.

Environmental majors spend much of their time observing, sampling, etc in field work; meaning, in the heat of the summer or the snow of the winter. Their course work puts them into the fields of Forestry, Zoology, or to the coasts of Louisiana where they clean up the BP oil mess. Their work can be labor intensive by comparison and, I acknowledge, as commendable. Without the trials that the environmental professionals endure, the med/molec professionals wouldn't have much tow ork with in their settings.

I am one of those few who straddle the fence. While I do love the lab, I need to get out and explore. While I enjoy learning about living organisms on the molecular level, I have the need to know how that organism behaves in their communities as well. Perhaps you are the same way. Puerto Rico offered an array of ecology and field experience that I might not have received on my med/molec pathway. A good example of the differences between the two majors would be the Marine Biology class I took in May Intersession '08. I believe there was a ratio of about 4:11 med/molec to environmental majors respectively. Part of the class experience included wading in hip high mud full of oysters (and who knows what else) in an estuary (salt/fresh water combo) of the Gulf of Medico. I was the only med/molec major willing to 'get dirty' with the environmentals.

So, last summer this research bega, and so far has won 3rd place at a competition. This summer I will finish collecting my data, and present the research at the Ecological Society of America's conference. This Fall I will take Senior Research II, hopefully get the research published, and perhaps go to other science fair competitions. To the freshmen biology majors, hang in there! The degree itself is worth it, but the opportunities you'll find along the way make your undergraduate journey so much better!