Spotlight on scholarships
Photo: Nick Pearce
When Janessa Rathgeber pushed herself outside her comfort zone, she was rewarded with a meaningful summer research experience and a boost in confidence.
“I wanted to gain research experience to figure out if pursuing a master’s degree, and ultimately more research, is right for me,” says Janessa, a fourth-year Plant Science student.
“I had terrific mentors in the lab who provided me so much independence, which truly boosted my confidence.”
Working in Chris Cutler’s entomology lab this summer, Janessa researched the behavioural effect of a certain type of pesticide on spined soldier bugs or stink bugs. An opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible without the David and Faye Sobey Agricultural Undergraduate Research Award. Janessa was one of two students to receive the inaugural award this year.
“My time in the lab was a huge learning opportunity. The last two summers I worked on ground maintenance at the Agricultural Campus, which I liked, but it didn’t put me ahead academically,” says Janessa who is from Truro.
Working in Dr. Cutler’s lab was much different. Explaining her summer research Janessa says: “I treated the bugs with various concentrations to simulate pesticide application in a crop field then I observed their behaviour in different settings.
“First I watched their movement in a plastic cup, then on a cabbage plant, and finally their movement and predatory behaviour in a container with mealworms.”
Her goal was to identify the dose to treat and control pests in an agricultural field, without damaging the beneficial stink bugs.
Interesting work is just one of the many benefits Janessa experienced. She says she developed a better work ethic and gained an understanding of what makes a good research project. But the change in her confidence was the greatest benefit.
“I had terrific mentors in the lab who provided me so much independence, which truly boosted my confidence,” she says. “I used to think research was
big and scary and something that only smart people can do. I was able to do things [successfully] on my own and now I know research is not as daunting as I had thought. I feel capable of pursuing it in the future if that’s what I choose.”
Throughout her fourth year she will continue the work as she’s chosen it as the topic for her honours project.
“It’s hard to express the gratitude I have for this award. I really wanted to be a part of this project but without funds, I likely wouldn’t have taken it because I need to pay for my education. I was fortunate to be paid for a summer job that relates to my program while being a part of a lab with great people. I’m looking forward to continuing my work.”
