26 Research Reflection by Kitsel Lusted

The research I conducted with Dr. Free was the best possible experience I could have as an undergraduate. During my time in the lab, I acquired invaluable exposure to running and managing a bioreactor lab, including the ordering of supplies and proper disposal of chemicals. I learned hard lessons about research and how to deal with obstacles when research gets tough. Dr. Free has been instrumental to my success. Through our weekly group meetings, all of us in the lab were able to get his input on the progress of the study. He is an incredible P.I., who has given me so many professional and personal opportunities. Through Dr. Free’s lab, I was able to present research to legislators at the Utah Capitol. I will also be attending my first conference as a presenter with this research in August.

I plan to go to graduate school where I will study geophysics. I am particularly interested in glacial hydrology and the environmental impacts of climate change. My undergraduate research helped solidify that I wanted to pursue a research degree. None of it would have been possible without Dr. Free along with the rest of the people in our lab and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful formative research experience.