As a PSEO student, my first encounter with college research was in my Plant and Animal Biology class. In the course, I had the opportunity to conduct a research experiment on the endurance of radish plants treated with salt water. I established a hypothesis and then monitored and recorded the progress of the plants over a number of weeks. After the data had been collected and graphs created, I wrote a lab report that outlined the progress and the results of the experiment. I also did a literature review to explore the research that was being done in this field of study. I learned how to construct the lab report, such as including an abstract and having sections like Materials and Methods and Discussion. I learned how to read and evaluate secondary sources and how to fold the information into my own research.  At the finish of my paper, I had woven together my original research and the secondary research into a coherent and informative report.

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The research that I conducted in the course was especially beneficial to me because it allowed me to explore contemporary issues of agriculture and water resources. I was able to see the big picture of my research and see the gaps that still needed to be filled in addressing the issue of sustainable agriculture. I was able to be connected to the world outside of academia and see the importance of research. I developed a love of exploring and learning through research.

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Effects of Salt on the Growth of R. sativus.pdf