This summer, more than 80 students and faculty kept campus abuzz with the hum of hands-on field and lab research. The Seaver Summer Research Community’s work covered topics in biology, health and human sciences, mechanical engineering, computer science and more disciplines across the college. With such a diversity of research projects to choose from, we spoke to some of the students about their unique summer experience. Today, we spotlight Atrina Bonihe ’25, a biology major who researched this summer under the mentorship of professor Michelle Lum.
Describe your research in a way that a high school student would understand it.
Planting the seeds of native plants are important for restoring coastlines and for dune restoration. Drought inhibits the germination of these seeds. Some bacteria have properties that help seeds germinate. I have been characterizing and identifying different bacterial strains to see if they have these properties. Then I soak the seeds in bacterial solutions before the seeds are planted. To get the bacteria to stay on the seeds, I also soak the seeds in xanthan gum. This way, bacterial viability on the seeds is long-lasting.
Why would someone outside your field be interested in your project?
Along the coasts, dunes are important for reducing the impacts of storms. If drought continues and native species of plants are not germinating, people are more at risk when storms occur. Also, habitats within the dunes will be disrupted.
What are some of the lessons students learn while working on research?
Students learn to work with other student researchers in lab. They also practice explaining their research to others during lunches and during a poster presentation session.
How does doing research complement coursework?
My major is biology, so plant life is a huge part of what I have been studying these past few years.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
I would recommend that they try and start doing research because it is very good experience for future professions and you truly learn a lot when working with the professor and other students.
Will your work this summer lead to any foreseeable outcomes (i.e. publications, presentations, poster sessions, patent applications, etc.)?
The work from this summer will be published as a journal article. I will also be presenting the work throughout the next academic year as a poster presentation or talk.
Do you plan to continue your project in the future? If so, when?
I am going to continue my project over this upcoming academic year.
