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A Summer of Research for Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Students
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| Human nutrition, foods and exercise students Kristin Wahlberg (left) and Aaron Rudd (center) examine a chip from an automated electrophoresis station, which analyzes nucleic acids and proteins. Deborah Good (right) coordinated their undergraduate research experience and supervised Rudd’s project. |
When classes end in May, most Virginia Tech students spend the three months between the spring and fall semesters working at an internship or other job, attending summer school, or enjoying their break with friends and family. But last summer, five undergraduate students in the college discovered that research is an excellent way to spend a summer, too.
The shift in metabolic preferences of the skeletal muscle in obese humans was a research topic for Kristin Wahlberg, a junior majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise. “We are targeting specific genes that we know play a role in substrate metabolism in hopes that they can help explain the shift when in the obese state,” she said.
The five HNFE students also researched the effect of energy need on the expression of certain genes on the skeletal muscle of mice, local eating practices at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market, and the treatment of a dietary peptide on the growth rate of human breast cancer cells. The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise began the pilot program this past summer.
Wahlberg and her fellow students prepared an original research proposal and began their research over the summer but did not complete it during the brief summer sessions. Instead, the five students are continuing their research into their junior and senior years. This experience will give them a unique advantage over other undergraduate students.
“Undergraduate research is important because it enhances what students learn from classroom instruction and prepares them for graduate school,” said Christina McIntyre, associate director of University Honors and former undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise. “They are going to know more than many of their fellow students about the research process. It gets them thinking about the bigger picture and introduces them to research ethics and the importance of professional presentations.”
Because each of the five students has different career goals, they were spread across different labs with different faculty mentors. McIntyre co-teaches a weekly seminar for the students with Deborah Good, associate professor of human nutrition, foods and exercise.
“A Provost’s Summer Session Grant funded the pilot project during the summer, and we received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Higher Education Challenge Grant to continue the program during the summer and regular school year for the next three years,” Good said. “The grant also gives us the resources for more students to participate in the program and gain valuable research skills.”
Kelly Wilson, a junior majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise, studied beverage consumption as a weight-loss method for middle-age and older adults in a human physiology lab in War Memorial Hall. “Since I came to Tech, I was advised many times to take advantage of the great research environment we have here,” Wilson said. “When I heard through Christina McIntyre that HNFE was starting a research program, I knew that this would be a great experience.”
After completing a summer in the lab, Wilson said she would pass along the advice she received early in her college life and encourage freshmen to participate in undergraduate research.
Drillfield Memorial a Place to Gather, Mourn, and Reflect
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On Sunday, Aug. 19, Virginia Tech dedicated 32 engraved Hokie Stones in honor and memory of the members of the Virginia Tech family who lost their lives on April 16. The memorial was inspired by the semi-circle of stones that the student-driven volunteer organization Hokies United placed on the Drillfield in the hours following the tragedy. Joseph McFadden, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Dairy Science, spoke at the memorial dedication on behalf of the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA). “This memorial is not only a symbol of the lives lost but also stands as a tribute to the fortitude of survivors and the Hokie Nation during challenging times,” said McFadden, president of the GSA. Other speakers included Zenobia Hikes, vice president of student affairs; Adeel Khan, president of the Student Government Association; Valerie Hardcastle, president of the Faculty Senate; Scott Cheatham, coordinator of Hokies United; Tom Tillar, vice president of alumni relations; and Charles Steger, president.
Equestrian Club Joins the Sports Club Federation
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| Equestrian Club members compete in hunter (shown) as well as dressage and western shows. |
The Virginia Tech Equestrian Club has received approval to join the Department of Recreational Sports’ Extramural Sports Club Federation beginning this fall. Sport clubs compete against other colleges and universities, but are not scholarship-based and are not a part of the NCAA. The Department of Recreational Sports supports the clubs and club officers determine practices and games. Clubs are chosen to join the Sports Club Federation based on their longevity at Virginia Tech and their success at the regional and national level.
“Having the Equestrian Club become part of the Sports Club Federation is a wonderful opportunity for the club,” said Sharron Quisenberry, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “The additional resources and support will allow the students to achieve their goals and gain much deserved recognition.”
“The biggest advantage of being part of the Sports Club Federation is the availability of services and resources that club members can utilize to help them become better athletes as well as better leaders,” explained Teresa McDonald, advisor for the Equestrian Club.
Club members will receive guidance and assistance with travel, fundraising, promotions, and training. All team practices, competitions, and fundraising are managed by club officers. Although the club will receive some funding from the Department of Recreational Sports, the club will still rely on outside funds provided through donations and sponsorships to support travel to the shows.
“I’m a senior, and I remember meeting with rec sports my freshman year about becoming a club sport. It was a big goal for us to become part of the Sports Club Federation,” said Susan Wilson, hunter team captain and club vice-president. “It is great to receive this recognition and support from Virginia Tech.”
The Equestrian Club has a long and distinguished history at Virginia Tech. The club was founded nearly 30 years ago, and members have been competing in horse shows ever since.
Club members compete at intercollegiate horse shows throughout the country, as well as organize equine-related activities such as horse shows and clinics. In addition, the club provides members a forum to exchange and gain information about equine topics through guest speakers, trips, and fundraising events such as open horse shows held on campus.
The club has approximately 80 members who compete on three equestrian teams, including hunter, dressage, and western.
For more information about the Equestrian Club, visit http://www.equestrian.org.vt.edu/index.html.