Natural Sciences Professors Dr. Preston Garcia and Dr. Christine Palmer were recently awarded Vermont Genetics Network Pilot Grants to conduct independent research with students at Castleton University in the upcoming year.
“Having active research at Castleton is transformative for our students. Not only does it give them a chance to engage with concepts in an applied setting, it also gives them a chance to become highly proficient at critical research skills from molecular techniques, to experimental design, to data analysis,” said Palmer. “This research experience is imperative for our students’ success in moving to the next step, whether that be medical school, graduate school, or the work force.”
Castleton students majoring in the sciences have various opportunities throughout the academic year and into the summer months to work in collaboration with the Natural Sciences Department faculty on independent research projects, funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, Vermont Genetics Network and the National Institute of Health.
These experiences are crucial for undergraduate students looking to build analytical and hands-on skills, and provide additional opportunities for students to present their work at local, regional and national professional research conferences.
“It’s a big draw for Castleton, especially since we can offer authentic research experiences that are not always available at a larger and less undergraduate-focused school,” said Palmer.
In the last six years the Castleton Natural Sciences Department has received over $836,000 in research grant funding. To date, funds have gone toward research projects such as specialized bacteria research, the exploration of the geologic evolution of the eastern Adirondack Mountains in New York, and the examination of the changing landscape in Vermont. Each grant has helped bolster the Natural Sciences Department’s ability to actively apply the research program across all disciplines, while remaining actively involved in the natural science community.
Dr. Garcia’s grant for the upcoming year is titled “Model of dual regulation control of a modified catabolite repression system,” while Dr. Palmer’s grant is “Improving causal gene prediction from GWAS or, Genome-Wide Association Study.”
To participate in the grant applying process, Castleton professors embark on the long path of writing a specialized grant proposal, which includes an in-depth research plan, data management plans, budgets, preliminary data and background research among other things.
“It is a very time consuming and challenging process, especially since it usually has to be done during non-work hours,” said Garcia, “But the rewards it brings to our students and our school are worth the extra work.”