INTRODUCTION.
Hi there! My name is Juliana Hermiston, and I am a fourth-year student in the Cellular, Molecular, & Microbial Biology program.
In the Summer of 2021, I discovered my passion for research in the field of molecular biology and have been volunteering and working ever since as a research assistant in the TRUGen Lab under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme and Dr. Eric Bottos. I have received an apprenticeship award as well as a TRU UREAP Award. I have had the opportunity to work on several projects ranging from analyzing the microbial community composition of both per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance-impacted soil samples to oyster communities to human saliva samples using high-throughput gene sequencing technology. My journey started by assisting two honours students with their research – one looking at the effects of nitrate supplementation on the oral microbiome and the other analyzing the microbial community composition within soil collected along the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. These experiences ignited the fire needed to start an honours project of my own in Summer 2022 where I am looking at measuring gene expression levels in the human oral microbiome. Alongside those projects, I had the opportunity to enrol in a Directed Study for the Winter 2022 semester where I quantified the amount of nitrate and nitrite present in human blood plasma. This project was done under the leadership and supervision of Dr. Mark Rakobowchuk which opened my eyes to the field of microbiology in a clinical setting and provided insight towards studying human physiology.
Furthermore, I have been given to present my research at both the TRU Research and Innovation Conference as well as the Canadian Society of Microbiology Conference which has provided me with invaluable dissemination skills that I will undoubtably take with me into whichever career path I choose.
Below highlights some of building blocks of my research journey.
THE STANDARDS.
REFLECTIVE ESSAY.
What is research? At its core, it is just that – a question. Research is a creative and systematic approach that involves the collecting, organizing, and analyzing of information in attempt to increase one’s understanding of a topic. Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated by science. One of my favourite parts of the field is that you never have the opportunity to stop asking questions; they are ubiquitous and such an important part of education. Research provides a link between what is learned in a classroom setting and what is happening in the “real-world”. You gain invaluable critical thinking and problem solving skills that, in my opinion, cannot be taught in a classroom. After asking a question, you begin to formulate hypotheses and speculate reasons as to why we observe phenomena. I can confidently say that pursuing a science degree has successfully challenged my work ethic.
Next, you design an experiment and begin to analyze the question(s), data, and results. This is the step that I value the most because it typically means that you recruit and work with other people to help you towards your goals. Networking and building relationships with others is not only necessary in the science field but is essential in life.
I am so grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me throughout the past four years of studying at Thompson Rivers University. In the Summer of 2021, I discovered my passion for research in the field of molecular biology and have been volunteering and working ever since as a research assistant in the TRUGen Lab under the supervision of Dr. Jon Van Hamme and Dr. Eric Bottos. I have had the opportunity to work on several projects ranging from analyzing microbial community composition of both per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance-impacted soil samples to oyster communities to human saliva samples using high-throughput gene sequencing technology. My journey started by assisting two honours students with their research – one looking at the effects of nitrate supplementation on the oral microbiome and the other analyzing the microbial community composition within soil collected along the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. These experiences not only ignited the fire needed to start an honours project of my own in Summer 2022 but provided me life-long friendships that can never be taken for granted. Alongside those projects, I had the opportunity to enroll in a Directed Study for the Winter 2022 semester where I quantified the amount of nitrate and nitrite present in human blood plasma. This project was done under the leadership and supervision of Dr. Mark Rakobowchuk which opened my eyes to the field of microbiology in a clinical setting and provided insight towards studying human physiology. It is empowering to research topics that are often not researched enough but have such a large global impact whether that be environmentally or humanly; I feel that it is a small way that I can give back to society.
The last steps in a research project are the conclusion and dissemination – a step that is often overlooked. A rewarding opportunity that I have had in the final year of my degree is being an Undergraduate Research Ambassador. This ambassadorship has allowed me to step out of research in my “science bubble” and highlighted the importance of research across all faculties. I had the opportunity to work with such an incredible team, network, and build relationships that will last a lifetime, yet again. It has been made very obvious to me that research can take place anytime, in any place, and in any format. Furthermore, research is not research if you do not communicate your ideas. I have gained many skills in areas of public speaking and disseminating that I will undoubtably take with me into my future career path. Research has become such an important part of my life, and I look forward to discovering where it will lead me in the future.
.