Investigating Plant Traits From Sites Across Texas Incorporating Laboratory Technology
General description of the project
A plant’s growth, reproduction, or survival may be greatly influenced by changes in its functional traits. Understanding variation in plant functional traits within and across species will improve modelling of ecological processes. We investigated plant functional traits associated with drought tolerance across a range of precipitation sites in Texas in grass species little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). As students, we independently conducted research activities using several laboratory technologies including research-grade microscopes, image analysis software, and statistical programming language. Engaging in authentic research provided us the opportunity to experience actual scientific research, which includes problem solving, team work, and effective communication. We also had the chance to learn transferable technological laboratory skills that could be used later on. These research experiences enhanced our engagement and motivation to pursue scientific careers.
Technologies
We used an Echo Rebel microscope to take images of leaf impressions, which were high quality images that allowed us to quantify several functional traits (stomatal density and dimensions). These images were analyzed using image analysis software available online at no cost (FIJI software), which would allow this software to be used in many educational scenarios. The National Institutes of Health’s Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation created ImageJ, a predecessor of FIJI, a Java-based image processing application. To analyze our results, we used the no cost R Project language backed by the R Core Team and the R Foundation for Statistical Computing. Building skills with this globally recognized language is an example of a highly transferable capability. Implementing the use of this freely available program allowed easy student access.
Explain project results
The project helped us students achieve several educational and professional goals. The scientific results will be presented at several regional conferences permitting networking with potential graduate school advisors and career recruiters. Also, engaging in the research allowed us to develop authentic research skills and talents. Furthermore, we were able to work in a very diverse research group reflecting the tremendous diversity represented at University of Houston-Downtown.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This project should be considered best practice because of the scientific and professional benefits that we gain and the cost effective implementation using no cost software and to pre-existing research instrumentation.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
Understanding technologies used in the plant laboratory research and how it helped conducting high quality results with no cost global programming language. How important diversity and inclusion in the research team setting and how it uplifted group individuals to achieve their academic and career goals.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.