Sustainability Summer Research Fellow Spotlight Bridget Bolt

The purpose of Bridget's project is to focus on understanding the importance of plant DNA methylation on the ability of plants to assemble beneficial soil microbial communities, which is of great importance for sustainable agriculture.

Q: How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?

A: "My major requires us to join a lab and conduct an experiment to graduate. However, the exposure to participating in projects and collaborating with other graduate students has become something I could see myself being a part of in my future. "

Q: How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

A: "The 2019-2020 school year."

Q: Describe what a typical day of remote summer research activity looks like for you. How does this differ from your pre-COVID research activity?

A: "A typical day of remote research consists of writing, reading, and evaluating methods of analyzing data through bioinformatics. The pre-COVID research consisted of working in the greenhouse taking soil samples and caring for the plants. Along with in lab work of extracting DNA from those soil samples and the demethylated soybean population to collect the needed data for the experiment. "

Q: What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

A: "The most exciting aspect so far has been learning new skills with computer programing. I would have never imagined getting these new experiences before the shift in plans as a result of the pandemic."

Q: What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research?

A: "I would advise UK students that are interested in undergraduate research to not limit yourself to a "familiar" topic and step outside of your comfort zone."

The UK Office of Undergraduate Research's Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship program provides undergraduates with the opportunity to study in a wide variety of disciplines while doing intensive and self-directed research with a sustainability focus under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Co-sponsored by the UK Student Sustainability Council