Each year, Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering asks our students engaged in summer research to tell us about themselves, their work and the goals of the research they are working with professors on. This year, the questionnaire was completed by intrepid scientists, mathematicians, engineers and tech experts on campus at Loyola Marymount University — and beyond the bluff!
Connor Schmit ’28, a biology student whose research was overseen by professor Kate Eisen, studied biodiversity in the coastal dunes of Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica to measure the impact of habitat restoration efforts.
Can you describe your research for those outside your field of study?
This summer, I worked with The Bay Foundation on a project to investigate biodiversity in the coastal dunes of Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica. We tracked plant species, animal and insect populations, and pollinator-plant interactions to compare biodiversity in managed dunes, where The Bay Foundation actively restores and maintains the habitat, with unmanaged dunes, which are left alone. By studying both, we aimed to see whether restoration efforts are effectively increasing biodiversity and to measure the overall impact of those efforts on the local ecosystem.
What do you think readers will find most interesting about your project?
From quick chats with local beachgoers and cyclists near the dunes to longer conversations with Uber drivers on the way to and from the field site, I’ve found that nearly everyone shares a genuine appreciation for our work and a love for the nature around us. It’s been inspiring to see how my project sparks interest in so many people who care about the health of the environment and the protection of endangered species.
In your experience, how does doing research complement coursework?
Being involved in research has given me a new perspective on my education at LMU. It’s helped me realize that I can be more than just a student, but a collaborator and a contributor in a real scientific project. Working alongside professors and mentors has boosted my confidence in the classroom, especially in lab courses, and has made me appreciate how what we learn in class connects to real-world issues. Research has brought my education to life!
What have you learned about doing research that other students might benefit from?
Research includes everything from groundbreaking discoveries to long stretches of slow, often tedious work, and moments when things don’t go as planned. These challenging periods taught me the importance of persistence, especially when results aren’t immediate or data seems insignificant. I also learned that there’s no such thing as a perfect method and being able to adapt and adjust is essential. This summer, my research partner and I were able to gather meaningful data showing that the managed dunes in Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica support higher biodiversity, but that progress only came after we troubleshooted our methods and remained committed to a careful, step-by-step process.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
Do it. Research opens doors you didn’t even know existed. As a newer student researcher, I’ve already gained so many valuable skills, made cherished memories, and formed meaningful connections. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch my project grow (literally, since I work with plants!). What started as a curiosity has become a passion and a possible career path I had never considered before. If you’re even a little bit interested, give it a shot. You never know where it might lead.