AMES, IA (05/06/2015)(readMedia)-- A group of 30 Iowa State University undergraduate students stretched their learning through research and laboratory experience in the Science with Practice program. Science with Practice is a learning and work experience program in research and related laboratories for undergraduate students who work closely with faculty and graduate students to gain experience in their field of study. Students participating in Science with Practice this past semester include :
Joshua Byrne, from Davenport and majoring in Animal Ecology, was advised by Dr. Gregory Courtney, professor, on a project titled Iowa Biomonitoring with Aquatic Insects. This project had a goal of creating a simplified dichotomous key of aquatic insects which will be used by middle and high school students. The key involves written characteristics and diagnostic illustrations. Once completed, the aquatic insect key will be employed in educational programs to determine the health of local waterways.
Ellen Kaschke, from East Moline and majoring in Animal Science, was advised by Dr. John Patience, professor, on a project titled Evaluation of Phytase Enzyme and ?-Glucanase in Nuresery Pig Diets. This project was to evaluate effects of adding a phytase enzyme and ?-glucanase on nursery pig performance. A total of 437 weanling pigs were blocked by weight and randomly assigned one of the five dietary treatments. The growth and feed intake was then analyzed for results.
Jacob Smith, from Port Byron and majoring in Horticulture, was advised by Dr. Christopher Currey, assistant professor, on a project titled Quantifying the Effect of Mean Air Temperature on the Development of Annual Culinary Herb Species. This project had a goal to develop models to predict biomass accumulation and determine growth responses to various temperatures. Culinary herbs are a popular food crop to produce in hydroponic production systems in greenhouse and controlled environments. The air temperature has a strong impact on the rate of growth and development.
In the program, students develop individualized learning agreements and project goals with Iowa State faculty mentors. At the conclusion of the semester, participants presented their projects at a poster session open to the public.
The Science with Practice program has linked students with faculty research for 10 years. Students may participate in the program multiple semesters. For more information visit www.ageds.iastate.edu/SWP.
This program is funded by the ISU Agricultural Endowment Board, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Van Wert Family Endowment
