Science and Undergraduate Research

Transcript

Although a lot of undergraduate research in the sciences at Pepperdine happens in the lab, Nolan, a senior biology major, is going to talk to us about doing research in his favorite place – the great outdoors. He is one of many Pepperdine students who engage in important, compelling undergraduate research with their faculty.  Tell us your story, Nolan.

Hey Alex! Thanks for that super cool intro! Coming from Westlake Village, California, I’ve always been an avid outdoorsman, so when I learned there was a field of science that was based around hiking I knew what I was doing with my life. Speaking of super cool, let’s talk about Pepperdine and what drove me to come to this amazing school!  I have been a part of Dr. Kat’s Behavioral Ecology Lab since before I attended this school. Visiting campus and being able to get involved so easily, I knew Pepperdine was the place for me. I am a leader of the lab this year, and led the United States Geological Surveys this past summer adding my mark to a thirty-year long database. Studying this guy. The California newt is one of the most toxic animals on the planet!  Luckily our skin is thick enough to not allow the toxin to penetrate my body! This upcoming semester we have multiple projects in motion working in the field and in the lab. One that I am particularly excited for is our Poison dart frog project! Outside of the lab, the university is located only three hours away from snowy mountains and five minutes from the beach. With wonderful hiking and climbing spots, this area has it all! When you get hungry after all these activities, there is no shortage of fantastic locally-sourced food options that will have you coming back for more! Pepperdine has equipped me with the tools needed to thrive in a field that I love. With a well-rounded curriculum nurturing a mindset of thinking bigger than me, and preparing me to work with parks and rec, fish and wildlife, or other sustainable future outlets. Enough about me! Let’s hear from some other waves, take it away Alex!

Thanks, Nolan – I didn’t know that newts could be poisonous! In each academic division and major, students have the opportunity to engage in research projects with their professors. Conducting research, presenting at local and national conferences, and publishing articles in academic journals is a notable achievement that’s sure to be valuable for resumes and graduate school applications! Cheers, Nolan!