Undergraduate Student Profiles
Veronica Hernandez Kendall
Research Experience for Undergraduates Fellowship, Summer 2009
Junior of Natural Science Faculty, Biology Department
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus
MDIBL: A year in school: what are your favorite courses?
Veronica: I'm a senior in the University of Puerto Rico, but a Junior in my natural science education, with two years left for completion of my bachelors in Biology. My initial interests were not entirely focused in science, as I started college as a Humanities student seeking a bachelors in Art History and Preservation technology. After my first year and introductory Biology course I couldn’t deny my curiosity and thirst for understanding the inner workings of biological organisms, and I applied to the Science faculty in Environmental Science. I later realized a wanted an even more in depth education in Biology, and I’ve been completing course work strictly focused in aims of attaining a degree in Biology. I love organismal biological courses, and am fascinated by the ‘how things work’ aspects of anatomical and physiological sciences. Therefore, my favorite courses so far have been Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, and a short introductory course in human anatomy and physiology. I’m currently taking Genetics as well, and seeing as I’ve participated in a phylogenetic research project at school for the past two years, I love that I’m beginning to really understand all the concepts I’ve been working with in the lab.
Post college plans:
I hope to apply to graduate school, and complete my masters and PhD in Zoology and/or Animal Physiology.
Why did you choose MDIBL?
MDIBL seemed to have a very student oriented approach to summer research, with a variety of applicants from all over the country, as well as a long history of investigators dedicated to advancing what is known and understood of their given research area of interest. I was also strongly drawn to studying animal physiology, a specific area of interest to me, in a place which presented very different flora and fauna from what I’m accustomed to in the Caribbean. I looked forward to delving into the research through a mixture of biomedical and basic scientific research. My mentor’s friendly disposition, even during the application process, made me feel comfortable to spend that extended period, away from the home and environment I was used to, and it built up my excitement to explore the new and different surroundings.
Tell us about your research project...
My mentor was Dr. JB Claiborne, Professor of Biology at Georgia Southern University. My summer research was oriented in understanding aspects of animal physiology in bony fish, specifically the three-spine Stickleback. By focusing in the study of trans-membrane ion transport in the epithelial tissues of the stickleback, it was intended to further understand the mechanisms of acid/base regulation mediated by this fish in its passages from fresh to salt water environments. Molecular biology (PCR, RNA isolations, RT-PCR) and sequencing techniques were given to the experimental phases in order to retrieve genetic information of protein synthesis and expression of NHE (Sodium/Hydrogen exchanger) proteins.
What surprised you about MDIBL?
I enjoyed the warm relationship shared between mentors, staff, and co-workers, which felt as though I was working alongside extended family. I was pleasantly surprised by how the Mount Dessert Island Biology Labs provided up to date equipment and techniques, and promptly replenished supplies upon request, which helped the efficient progression of the project proposed for the summer. The community outreach program was excellent and very fun to participate in. I was also surprised at the extremely kind disposition of Maine’s locals and enjoyed the sensation of security, and feeling safe and sound, at all times. Lastly, I was fascinated by the scientific history of the Bio Lab, and honored to be part of a crew of scientists of such renowned experience and merit.
During your fellowship, what did you do in your spare time?
I enjoyed socializing with the multitude of students from different countries, exploring the landscape, enjoyed the local attractions of hiking, swimming in the lakes, volleyball, biking, kayaking, and star gazing. I also participated in several social events such as movie outings, dances, a comedy show in Bar Harbor, and the traditional celebrations such as the fourth of July parade and the MDIBL Clam Bake. On my own time I could also relax by listening to music, practicing Yoga, jogging, reading and writing letters to my family in Puerto Rico.
Why should an undergraduae student consider doing a summer research experience?
Research is application of what knowledge we acquire in the classroom, and through it a student can reach true understanding of the material studied. Research is the root of scientific knowledge and technological advance, so I personally believe that it is a duty of the student or academic scholar to seek out how the information compiled into our textbooks came to be discovered. Aside from this principal importance of the research experience, working in a laboratory helps to establish disciplines such as time distribution between research labors, the independent study necessary for becoming sufficiently knowledgeable of key aspects of your research project, and extracurricular activities. You learn how to communicate with lab mates and investigators, as well as how to compile the recovered data into concise conclusive points, and present the fresh information to an audience of listeners or readers.
Ten years from now I...
I aim to be completing my Masters in Zoology, and have acquired a strong background in physiology research, and developed my thesis in a specific area, which I’ve yet to decide upon, and only time will tell which it might be. This summer experience was an excellent first taste of the possibilities of animal physiology, and I know what I’ve learned through it will serve me well for years to come as a developing scientist.
