Animal science student spotlighted by MSU Undergraduate Research
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EmailScientific research is a growing opportunity for undergraduate students, and many animal science students are on board--just ask Ariana Negreiro, who is in the spotlight on a recent MSU Undergraduate Research video.
Being part of a research project while an undergraduate can be a daunting but rewarding experience. It takes time and dedication, yet in the process many students find something new that they can wrap their ambitions around.
We are excited to showcase a recent video highlighting undergraduate student research featuring animal science major Ariana Negreiro, as well as a promotional video for undergraduate research at MSU. Take a few minutes to learn about what research can mean to students, and learn more about animal science undergraduate research.
Ariana describes how she worked at the dairy farm and fell in love with dairy cows, but "without the research experience, I don't think I would have found this passion."
She worked for two years in Dr. Adam Lock's lab, and she relates how the research allowed her this opportunity, as well as attending conferences and working with faculty. Yet she sees this part of her education as leading to professional development as well in learning how to communicate and be responsible. She notes that the sense of community that came with her experience helped her find her passion and define her career goals.
Ariana was a first place undergraduate student award winner at the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) annual meeting in 2018: ADSA-SAD Undergraduate Original Research Oral Competition - "Total-tract fatty acid digestibility responses to altering the dietary ratio of palmitic and oleic acids in dairy cows," by A. N. Negreiro, J. de Souza, and A. L. Lock. She also placed first for undergraduates at the 2019 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference with her presentation "The effect of supplemental amino acids and fatty acids on the yield of milk and milk components of mid- to late-lactation dairy cows."
She is now going on to graduate school here at MSU.
Undergraduate research opportunities
For students looking for research opportunities, or who were inspired by these videos to consider research as part of their academic experience, consider the Animal Science Undergraduate Research Student Association (ASURSA), whose activities include group projects or association with one faculty to perform more independent research. They also organize the annual Animal Science Undergraduate Research Forum (ASURF).
Many of the students who present their research at ASURF also present at MSU's annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF).
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has an Undergraduate Research Program (URP) during the summer or fall. Plus, research projects can be carried out locally or internationally. Learn more at CANR Undergraduate Research.
