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 Gabby O’Brien ’27, who did research this summer under the mentorship of professor Michelle Lum.
Describe your research in a way that a high school student would understand it.
My research examines the various conditions required to promote plant growth through the use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), are crucial assets in enhancing plant growth. Rhizobacteria are bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants. I am inoculating Primrose seeds with different PGPR isolates to measure growth and plant health with the addition of bacteria. My research specifically examines which PGPR isolates either encourage or hinder Primrose growth under high salinity and high drought conditions.
Why would someone outside your field be interested in your project?
This research is applicable to the current dune restoration efforts in the Los Angeles region. Currently, PGPR isolates are being used as bioinoculants for local dune restoration in the Los Angeles area. Dunes provide coastal protection against storms, waves, and wind. Without dunes, the environment would be subject to extreme climate conditions and erosion. In an effort to prevent erosion and sea level rise, there have been efforts to implement vegetation into the Earth. Vegetation helps stabilize the dunes, preventing erosion. Areas such as Dockweiler Beach are the focus of these efforts as they are the most vulnerable and susceptible to harm. Reestablishment of dune plants would protect against erosion and create habitat for endangered plant and animal species. By using PGPR to assist in the plant growth, the areas will be filled with stronger and more plentiful plants in a shorter period of time. Despite environmental stressors, such as drought, temperature, or saline, PGPR are able to combat them through hormone production, nitrogen fixation, auxin production, and phosphate solubilization.
What are some of the lessons students learn while working on research?
Working in a lab instills hard work, dedication, collaboration, and innovation in a student. The experiences gained during research shape a student and are carried with them through the rest of their educational journey. In addition, students learn how to be curious and ask questions about the world.
How does doing research complement coursework?
This research complements coursework from my Biology 112 lab, where we also examined PGPR properties and plant growth. This research uses laboratory techniques and prior knowledge from this course and builds upon it.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
Being involved in research is an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. In addition to learning something new every time you step into the lab, you form close bonds with your professor and fellow students in the lab. I would highly recommend participating in research if you are curious and want to learn through real life experience!