STEM Grant

Thanks to the combined initiative of a York College faculty member and an enterprising undergrad, a couple of YC STEM students are gaining valuable research experience this summer through a special grant.

The proposal, "Analysis of nutrient levels in surface water in agricultural production areas of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resource District," was prepared by sophomore Emily Eggar, co-president of the professional STEM club and submitted to Nebraska EPSCoR by agriscience professor and STEM club advisor Dr. Stacie Turnbull.

The grant is one of five given by Nebraska EPSCoR every year. The Undergraduate Research Experience grant program was created to provide research experience for selected students in small public and private Nebraska colleges and universities that offer undergraduate degrees related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The program is intended to increase the pool of potential students choosing careers in these areas.

“It’s really exciting for me personally and for my career growth, but it’s also exciting for the science department,” shared Eggar, a double major in biology and chemistry from Wolf Point, Mont. “We now know what the EPSCoR grant process is like, so future students will be able to benefit from our knowledge and also be able to apply.”

Eggar and Blayne Winkler, a sophomore biology major from Lincoln, Neb., will be working with Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) in York to provide valuable information surrounding the issue of excess nitrogen in groundwater. The work conducted by the students will examine to what extent nitrate pollution exists in Nebraska’s surface water while also examining other pollutants that may be present as well.

“The experience of going out into the field, collecting samples, analyzing data, and presenting the information we find will be very beneficial in gaining an overall understanding of the research process,” shared Winkler.

Research opportunities are essential for students pursuing careers in STEM. Eggar commented, “It makes students stand out in their graduate school applications. It doesn’t matter what field they want to go into, most students will need to know how to do research.”

This opportunity has opened up conversations with other entities in the community, forging new partnerships and opening new doors for future students.

“We really appreciate the NRD’s willingness to be involved in the development of our students,” said Dr. Turnbull. “As a result, groups such as Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy have shown an interest in working with our students in future research. These handson activities are extremely beneficial in preparing students for their future careers. Our students have real opportunities to do research and internships with a number of companies throughout the nation, including two students who will serve an internship with Bios Partners this summer.”

Eggar and Winkler are spending the summer collecting data and will present their findings in the fall. n

The mission of Nebraska's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) is to build the state's research capacity and competitiveness, invest in workforce development, and foster public-private partnerships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (the STEM fields), as well as biomedical research.