Research has been a highlight of Gwen Sailer’s educational journey at NDSU.
“I always knew I wanted to do research and thankfully NDSU has given me many opportunities to explore different projects,” said Sailer, a senior biological sciences major from Fargo. “My previous research experiences were with birds, and I thought it was a good idea to expand my knowledge further and give invertebrates a try.”
This summer Sailer participated in NDSU’s Pollination Nation REU program, which is part of the Insect Cryobiology and Ecophysiology Network Fargo. The ICE Network brings together students, faculty and scientists from the USDA Agricultural Research Services from North Dakota, Wyoming and New Mexico to study insect physiology at NDSU. The program is managed by NDSU biology associate professor Julia Bowsher and NDSU biology professor Kendra Greenlee.
Sailer is assisting Josh Rinehart, NDSU doctoral research assistant in biological sciences, with a project centered on alfalfa leafcutting bees - a bee species that has an important role in role in pollinating alfalfa, a common plant used in livestock feed. The research is looking at a way to extend the lifespan of the alfalfa leafcutting bee using a telomerase activity increasing drug. The general lifespan of the insect is around 28 days.
Sailer said their fascination of the biological mechanisms involved in aging were initially what drew them to the research.
When thinking back to the Pollination Nation program, which concluded at the end of the summer, Sailer said they would do it all over again in an instant.
“It was a truly unforgettable experience; I wish I could do it again. I met some fantastic people and worked on a plethora of projects. That experience really cemented the idea for me that science cannot exist without collaboration,” they said.
Sailer credits the Department of Biological Sciences for providing them with opportunities in research that have led them down career paths they didn’t know they could take.
“The biology department at NDSU has been nothing but supportive of my scientific endeavors,” they said. “Because of my involvement in research labs and my enthusiasm about biology, I am being flown out to two national science conferences: S-STEM and SICB. I would have never had these kinds of opportunities if I had not been involved in research.”
At the conferences Sailer will network with other student researchers and scientists across the country. They also will give a research poster presentation on additional research they conducted this summer related to the color nesting preferences of alfalfa leafcutting bees.
Throughout their involvement in the lab, Sailer said they have developed pertinent skills specific to DNA testing. Sailer has enjoyed the collaborative environment where other researchers share the same excitement they have for biology.
“The research environment at NDSU has really encouraged me to be curious and ask questions about the world around me,” they said. “I know a lot of people still have no idea what they want to do as their profession, but NDSU has allowed me to explore areas of biology that interest me, and in turn, has helped me figure out what field of research I want to pursue a higher education in.”
Sailer has even incorporated their creative side into research. At the conclusion of the Pollination Nation program, Sailer presented their research at the summer poster session. Sailer’s poster highlighted their research through a variety of intricate drawings showcasing the genetic makeup and DNA of alfalfa leafcutting bees. Creativity is something Sailer encourages other student researchers to embrace in the research they’re involved in.
Sailer will continue their research on alfalfa leafcutting bees during the academic year. After graduation in May, Sailer plans to go to graduate school with the goal to one day obtain a doctorate in biology with a focus on ornithology, a branch of zoology that studies birds.
Sailor’s advice for students is to take the leap and pursue research they’re interested in.
“Get involved and be curious,” they said. “Curiosity and enthusiasm will get you a long way in research.”
To learn more about Sailer’s story, check out NDSU’s official YouTube channel.
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