Running After Research

Part of the National FFA Organization’s mission is to prepare students Running After learning opportunities requiring real-life solutions. This year, one challenge for career success. Whether it’s through participating in public speaking, holding a chapter office or attending a leadership conference, members have a multitude Research was access to the saliva she was hoping to test. “Because of the rules and guidelines that I follow, I of opportunities to prepare for the future throughout their time in the organization. could not obtain Missouri FFA’s State Star in Agriscience has chosen the (saliva) samples to prepare for her future through her Supervised myself,” she says. Agricultural Experience (SAE). Destinie Tunis of the “I contacted Dr. Eldon FFA Chapter has conducted three agriscience Kathy at the Lake research projects relating to either human or animal Pet Hospital in health. Eldon and asked “For my sophomore year science research project, could collect the I was testing Mus musculus (Mice) to see if certain saliva samples for prenatal diets affect the weight of offspring as they me during regular age,” Tunis says. “Last year, for my research project, and safe procedures I tested Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar performed by her hissing cockroach) to see if 1550 Borate Glass would and her staff, but reduce scarring and increase the rate of healing time in because working thermal injuries. For this year’s project, I am testing the with larger animals doesn’t happen very often for her, I antimicrobial effects of various animals’ saliva to see if was lucky to have been able to get saliva samples from it can be used as an alternative treatment for antibiotic a horse, pig and cow.” resistant bacteria.” for assistance. She In addition to overcoming challenges, one of the goals Like most students, Tunis has experienced challenges Tunis set for her SAE was to turn her research projects throughout her SAE. These roadblocks serve as real-life into a future career. She is on track to do just that.

StarIN AGRI-SCIENCE

Currently in the process of becoming a member of the U.S Army Reserve, Tunis plans to go to Basic Training. She also plans to attend college to major in biomedical sciences and earn her PhD in Science for both health and medicine and STEM. Her career goal is to continue medical research to benefit both humans and animals.