#MyFerrum Experience in Academics

by Brett W., Panther Blogger

With the onset of the #MyFerrum campaign, I thought it would be a wonderful idea to write some of my upcoming blogs on different facets of #MyFerrum experience!

In my freshman year, fall of 2012, I began my horticultural path by being enrolled in BIO-202, Introduction to Plant Science.  I sat directly up front and remember the first day being the only freshman in the class.  Because I had taken AP Biology in high school, the credits transferred and I was able to take the 200-level class during my first semester at Ferrum.  I also took AGS-110 Issues in Agriculture that first semester, which really broadened my horizons on how much further agriculture reached than just my realm of greenhouses and floristry.

The next semester, spring of 2013, I enrolled in HOR-321 Plant Propagation, which was taught by my advisor, Dr. Pohlad.  I had the amazing luxury of being just one of six in that class, which let me begin to develop a relationship with my advisor and with Ferrum's agricultural program that couldn't be matched anywhere else.  We did projects such as help run the Plant Sale that occurs every spring, and even fill the planters and design the flowers of Dr. Braaten's home.  We went on field trips to Virginia Tech to view their tissue culture lab, and we traveled to Riverbend Nursery to get a tour and first-hand look on how a commercially larger-scale operation is run.  That same semester, I started my green roof practicum and took both half-semester horticulturally-derived topics in science classes:  SCI-124 Edible Wild Plants and SCI-130 Healthy House Plants.  This was also the semester that I traveled abroad to Peru for my E-Term, and the Honor's Program enriched the class by producing a field guide for the orchids of the Inca Trail!

The following fall of 2013, I took HOR-410 Greenhouse Management also with Dr. Pohlad, which was my first 400-level class in my field.  This had more of an impact than I expected, which was very fortunate for me.  Back when I toured Ferrum College before I was a student, my admissions counselor brought us through the Academic Resource Center and talked about the Peer Assisted Learning Program, where students can be tutors to help fellow students learn and understand specific classes better.  I remember her explaining that and how I could not wait to eventually one day be a PAL tutor in a horticulture class!  Well, three semesters later, I was asked if I wanted to help out and tutor BIO-202 since I was proficient in my knowledge and already taking my major classes in my sophomore year.  I obviously said "yes"!

My design for the Adam's Lake Riparian garden

Since then, I have taken HOR-418 Plant Pest Management, which let me become legally licensed in pesticide application, and HOR-411 Landscape Design and Management, which presented me the opportunity produce and present a design for our Titmus Agricultural Center entrance and the Adam's Lake Riparian garden.  My proposal was actually chosen and reproduced for the Adam's Lake Riparian garden restoration project!  The semester after those two classes - in the fall of 2014 - I took HOR-415 Plant Disease, AGY-315 Soil Science and Management, and AGS-417 Agricultural Business Management.  While still continuing to tutor the BIO-202 class, I also did another practicum where I was additionally a Lab Assistant for the class.  This gave me valuable experience first-hand on how to work in a lab as a facilitator while also providing me the opportunity to hone my skills in teaching and explanation.

My Riparian garden design being implemented!

Currently, I am enrolled in BIO-419 Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, which I am loving, and I am I beginning to undertake a project studying tissue culture and phytohormone application.  This project, tied in with my junior seminar paper, is helping me and teaching me how to properly go about producing and conducting graduate-level work.  This semester, I also began tutoring HOR-321 Plant Propagation, which I took just year before, so I have a feeling of accomplishment that really helps me get up in the morning.  I have this all thanks to #MyFerrum experience!

With only AGS-314 Animal/Plant Breeding & Genetics left to complete my major's required classes and BIO-306 Nonvascular Plants & Fungi left to take as an elective to complete the requirements to be invited into the National Biology Society, I know that my time left here at Ferrum is coming to a close.  But a year is still a lot of time to continue to make my mark on this campus because:  This is #MyFerrum. 

From Ferrum College to Zambia, Africa

by Brittany Gale, Alumna and Former Panther Blogger

Changing the world may be as simple as passing by someone on the sidewalk and saying "hello" just to make them feel appreciated, or it could be cracking a joke and making them smile or laugh.  We do not always understand how much those things can change someone's day, but coming from such a small campus, many cannot imagine changing the world one person at a time half a world away in an area where nothing is like the "norm" that we are used to in the United States.  It is that once-in-a-lifetime experience that pushes someone to recognize the amount of objects and opportunities that we have placed in front of us.  So, what can we say from experiences like this?  Yes, it is life-changing and makes us appreciate what we have, but most of all, it pushes us to come back and give everyone we have in our lives a much-deserved thank you for everything they have done for us.

OMNI, Orphan Medical Network International offered such a wonderful trip to two lucky students for the second time this past summer, and not only did myself and Blake Sproles have a wonderful time, but we have taken advantage of the opportunities that we came across while on a medical mission in Zambia, Africa.

From October 2013, Blake and I were in close competition with several other students to be selected by a panel of professors who have been pushing us and making us grow as students to earn the two spots for the trip.  For the second time, Ferrum College had made their selection between the students and narrowed it down to just a few students who would then go on to have a phone interview with Karen ReMine.  After the phone interview, all of those who had talked to Karen were nervous and we all exchanged our thoughts about what we would do if we got to go.  Once Blake and I got the phone call back from Karen, we could not help but celebrate and express our joy to everyone.  It even became a joke that some of our close friends would call us Miss and Mr. Africa.  Needless to say, we were not the only ones who could not wait to enjoy the experience and come back with so many heartfelt memories.
 
Well, what happened after we got our spots with OMNI?  There were monthly phone conferences where we would discuss several different aspects about the upcoming trip.  Karen and several others would inform those of us who were new on the trip about the culture, including food, water, rituals, clothing, politics, and religion.  After the conferences, Blake and I were getting really close to the time of last-minute packing and flying for over 24 hours.  On the flight there, I had the great pleasure of celebrating my birthday with the OMNI team.  Before that day were just people on the team, but from the time we walked into the airport and boarded the plane, we became family.  Several hours later, we finally reached Ndola Airport and saw that this airport was not much like those in the states.  Instead, there were only one or two guys actually pulling our luggage from the plane to the building and hand-throwing the luggage to us.  Woo!  The beginning of a new experience.

As we left the airport, we got to meet our wonderful body guards who were very helpful, and we began our journey for the next two weeks filled with eight clinics in several different communities and tribal areas.  During those clinics, we triaged almost 4,000 patients ranging from newborns to some that were over 100 years old.  We each had the chance to triage patients, work in wound care, pharmacy, lab, fit some patients for glasses, and shadow doctors with several ranges of specialties.  Some of the stories that I walked away with are hard to tell others, but they leave a meaningful spot in my heart no matter what is going on in my life.

The most memorable story I can share is this beautiful girl named Miracle, who was only 8 years old.  She was the first patient that I had worked with in the lab where she was tested for malaria.  She was so strong with no mother by her side, but her loving little sister was by her side the entire time. I had to prick her finger and let the test run for 10 minutes, and in that time, I could not help but play with the little girls who broke my heart because I found out their mother had died from AIDS and they were living with some family friends.  Not only was she strong enough to help care for her sister, but she was also something I would consider one of my Miracles from the trip.

Over the two weeks, there were thousands of smiles, thousands of broken hearts, thousands of tears, but more importantly, thousands of people who love one another and work together to get through one day at a time.  No matter the hurt on someone's face, they always found a way to thank us for our work and service that we had provided for them, which is more than anyone on the trip could ask for.  Although some cases broke us down, there was always one way to brighten our day and make us laugh, and that included the children of the villages.  They loved interacting with us from something as simple as taking their picture, playing ball with them, showing them hand tricks, or even the children teaching us their hand games.  The best smiles I can remember were from the OMNI school children singing songs as we pulled into the school on that very first day.  At that moment, everything became so surreal and moving to know that these children are here because they want to learn and thank us for helping them.

From beginning to end, we each changed as individuals to become better people who understand that we have so much to appreciate. It is easy for us to wake up in the morning to take a hot shower, have hot food on the table, electricity, and easily accessible medical attention even if we have a simple cold.  It is hard to put into words the ways I have changed since the trip, but that is also something that almost anyone would feel if they had such a wonderful opportunity and experience.  I left Africa in tears because the area had really shown me something new and provided some light into what I want to do with my life.  The trip has helped me realize that I will always want to help people, and even though I may be taking the long road currently, I want to go to medical school and become a doctor like those who have inspired me from the trip.

What was once a group of 21 individuals became a 21-person family who can all call upon each other if we need anything or just want to talk.  No matter what the experiences may be like, they are always life-changing and present us with wonderful memories that we can tell others.  Within the many stories that I can tell, there is one piece of advice I can offer, and that is that if you are asked if you would like to participate in something that may benefit your future, try it at least once.  There will always be lessons to learn and events that help you grow as a person.

Thanks to Karen ReMine and the wonderful OMNI team for allowing us the opportunity to join you on the trip to Zambia this past summer.  It means the world to both Blake and me, and we look forward to traveling with you all again!  2-4-1!

My New Perspective from Zambia, Africa

by Blake Sproles, Alumnus and Panther Blogger

What fun would life be if we never did anything new?  If we were simply to stay in the same location and do the same exact things day upon day and never push ourselves to do something extreme, then life would very quickly become nothing but a tedious chore.  Sometimes, life can seem to become a bit boring due to the repetitive work days, overbearing workloads, and stressful situations that we as individuals experience on a daily basis.  However, it does not have to be this way. By allowing ourselves to experience new things and step out of our comfort zones, we are capable of breaking free from the same old average daily routine and really grasp life by the horns!  I did exactly this when I traveled to Zambia, Africa this past summer as part of the Orphan Medical Network International medical mission team.

I am grateful that I was selected by one of my Ferrum professors to apply for a position on the trip. I was first interviewed by a group of professors, then had an interview with the OMNI president, Karen ReMine, after which Karen selected me to be a part of her medical mission trip.

A view of Zambia from the airplane.

This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that really impacted me as an individual and allowed me to reevaluate the manner in which I live my life.  While in Africa, I saw things that I had never seen before, did things that I had never done before, and had my eyes opened to a completely different world.  The experiences that I had while on this trip changed my life and have encouraged me to explore new opportunities each and every chance that I get.

Enjoying a ride through Zambia on the back of a truck!

Cleaning a patient's wound.

During our time in Africa, we held a total of eight different medical clinics, typically seeing about 500 patients in a day.  These clinics were held in various tribes and villages, in which we were able to observe a very different type of lifestyle than what we know and are used to here in the United States.  There is truly one thing that I can say from my observations of the individuals living in these tribes and villages, and this is that family is the most important thing anyone could have.  In the country of Zambia, people are not rushing to work in vehicles, continuously holding a phone in their hand, or always on the computer participating in social media.  Instead, they are helping out one another by weeding the gardens, caring for the livestock, watching over the children, and doing absolutely everything and anything possible to ensure that they can make it through another day.  In Zambia, it is not a common feeling to have the promise of a tomorrow, and the only way to obtain this is to work extremely hard each and every day, and to keep your family close to you at all times.  The feeling of security is something that we oftentimes take for granted and commonly forget about here in the United States.  However, I now know just how blessed I am to have a wonderful family that loves me and that I can wake up every day knowing that everything is going to be just fine.

Performing tests in the medical clinic
laboratory.

Throughout these clinics, I was allowed to participate in the various clinical departments of triage (questioning patients to obtain information regarding their medical needs), pharmacy, diagnosis, wound care, eyeglasses, and the lab.  By working in these various departments, I was able to see many different individuals and medical needs that I could never have even imagined would exist.  Perhaps the one individual who sticks out in my mind the most is a beautiful seventeen-year old girl who had become paralyzed from the waist down at the age of eight or nine due to a severed spinal cord.  This young girl has been reduced to living in a small wooden cart, about half the size of her body, that is equipped with handle bars that she can rotate with her hands to transport herself from one place to another.  Because she is paralyzed and cannot be easily removed from her cart, she obtains frequent pressure sores on her sides due to lying on the cart's hard wooden surface.  These could be easily treated, however the closest medical clinic is more than thirty miles away from where she lives, and this same medical clinic is limited in the supplies and medical instruments that they have.  Thus, she waits to visit the Orphan Medical Network International clinic every year to receive the supplies and care that she needs.

A student of the OMNI school.

Another amazing aspect of this trip was getting to see the impact that OMNI is having in the lives of so many individuals over in Zambia, Africa.  Since the founding of this organization, OMNI has not only been taking annual medical mission trips over to Zambia to help those with medical needs, but they have also started a teaching facility for children who are orphaned or have troubled homes.  These children do not yet have any mode of transportation, so they will walk miles to go to school.  Throughout the school day, these children are not only taught the typical classes such as English, math, and science, but they also learn life skills that directly apply to their lifestyle in Zambia, such as how to properly grow and take care of a garden and livestock.  Not only do these children come to school because they love learning and singing, but it is also perhaps the only way that they can receive a meal during the day.  After getting to visit the school, meet the children, and see the great services that OMNI has provided for these people who are living in a troubled country, it really encourages me to know that we are making a great impact on the lives of these individuals and that what we are doing really does matter.

All in all, there are so many stories to tell about what all I saw during my trip to Zambia, and there really is no way to sum up everything that I have seen into a few words.  However, I can say that this was, without a doubt, one of the greatest experiences that I will ever have.  The time that I spent in Zambia will be with me forever, and I will always be able to look back and reflect on my experiences.  The experience that I gained during this trip in the medical field was priceless and has encouraged me to explore the medical sciences to a greater depth.  I also made some great friends and many new connections during the short period of time that we were in Zambia.  It is a huge honor and blessing to say that I have been offered the chance to return again for another medical mission trip, and I've got to say that I cannot wait for the next trip that I get to take back to Africa.

Opportunities and Hard Work Pay Off!

by Paige R., Panther Blogger 


Over the past week and a half, I’ve been honored to receive recognition for my academic and extracurricular endeavors at Ferrum College. At the beginning of last week, I received the Minds-in-Medicine pin, a Lions mug, and Lions Branch Club certificate.

On Friday at Ferrum’s Academic Awards Ceremony, I received the award for Outstanding Student in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics as well as the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

With Dr. Goff for the Minds-n-Medicine Club Award

With Dr. Braaten for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

With Dr. Braaten for the NSM Award

At the SGA Awards Banquet earlier this week, the Minds-N-Medicine Club (a club in which I’ve served as president for the past school year) was awarded Club of the Year for 2013-2014.  Yesterday, I learned that an article I co-wrote with a Ferrum professor was listed as one of the top articles for the journal in 2013!

Thank you to my wonderful professors, the faculty and staff, my friends, and my family who made all of this possible. It becomes clearer to me every day that I picked the best school possible to call home for three years. The opportunities I’ve had at Ferrum College would not have been possible at another institution. Thank you so much to everyone who has made my time at Ferrum superb! 

Accepted Into the Master's Program at Virginia Tech!

by Brittany G., Panther Blogger

The last blog that I posted was about attending an Entomology Conference in Williamsburg, VA.  I had also stated that I was in contact with the Entomology Department about their master's program at Virginia Tech.  Well, the more work that you put into your school, the better the outcomes!

I have officially been offered the position to complete a field research program in Winchester this summer, as well as the following summer, where I will be researching grape root borer.  Between the summer research sessions, I will be going to Virginia Tech to complete a fully-paid master's program!  This just proves that dedication and going outside of just what it offered in classes and clubs on campus can do for your future.  Widen the views of where you want to go and where you can go, then consider everything possible.

As many professors in the science department can agree, I had planned - until May 2013 - that I wanted to continue my education at a graduate medical school, but I was offered a job through Ferrum and everything changed.  It wasn't easy, but I had to teach myself several things about what was involved in entomology and have since then accomplished more goals than I thought was possible in the matter of a year.  If the chance is there, take your smart brains off campus and teach the world because you never know who will be able to offer you something in the future!

Conference Opportunities

by Brittany G., Panther Blogger

As I am continuing my work through the science department on entomology research, I was given the opportunity to be a part of an Entomology Regional Meeting in Williamsburg, VA.  This was a chance to be included in four days of meetings, lectures, Ph.D. and Masters research presentations, games, food, and hundreds of other people studying and researching the same things I have been working with this past year. Most of those who read this may automatically think:  Geek!  Well, there is no such thing as a Geek status when it has given me the chance to be within a community that is interested in learning the techniques and results that others in the same field have been studying.

I had the pleasure of sitting through the Masters and Ph.D. presentations which provided me the chance to ask questions and connect to other students who are conducting their research and still attending class.  I met several students from the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Rutgers, and Virginia Tech.  After their talks, I went to an arthropod lecture where I connected with several professors from other schools about how we can understand these creatures in our world.  These lectures had one thing in common:  they want to figure out why some insects are the way they are and how to control pests when many do not like them in their homes or around the plants.

After all of the major sessions were done and there was some down time, there was plenty of food offered, as well as fun and games.  This is where many of my personal sit-down meetings with professors and other students happened. I met one student from Pennsylvania and he was interested in veterinarian sciences, but he ended up studying entomology through his school.  This just proves that along with myself, many students change their minds about jobs or graduate programs even as late as their very last year in college!  The best part of this weekend meeting was gaining these connections with other schools and professors.

Before I left the conference, I walked away having met several more people and I have kept in touch with many since then. The professors who were there were very knowledgeable and so friendly that they would literally walk up to you and start a conversation to learn everyone's interests in that type of field.  I am proud to say that I have met a lovely crew at Virginia Tech and have been in contact with them to continue my education through their Master's Program in Entomology. So before anyone turns down an opportunity, at least try it once!  I had no idea this would be the outcome of such a conference, and I have gained so much experience by talking to other entomologists in the field.

Fun at the Zoo!

by Blake S., Panther Blogger

As a full-time college student, it can sometimes become difficult to arrange your schedule to make sure that you are providing yourself with plenty of free time to have some fun and get away from the stress that is associated with college coursework.  However, one of the greatest things about some of the courses here at Ferrum College is that they actually incorporate fun trips into their course requirements.

An example of one of these trips that I have recently participated in is touring the Carilion hospital in Roanoke, Virginia as a member of the anatomy and physiology class.  Throughout this tour, students are exposed to the many labs that are used in the hospital, such as the echocardiography lab, microbiology lab, and cardiac catheterization lab.  This is a great learning experience for students and allowed us to explore the numerous opportunities associated with the medical field.  However, perhaps one of the more intriguing field trips that I have participated in during my time here at Ferrum is a trip to the Zoo!

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
(picture from www.aecom.com)

Just last week, I was given the opportunity to travel alongside the Ferrum College zoology class to the North Carolina Zoo.  I've got to say that it was, without a doubt, some of the most fun that I have had as a Ferrum College student.  While at the zoo, we were allowed to take a self-guided tour around the park and travel to all of the different exhibits.  One of my favorite exhibits was that of the aviary, in which there were numerous exotic and beautiful species of birds!  The chimpanzees and baboons were also pretty funny to watch, and the bears (my favorite animal) were astonishing!

This was a great opportunity to not only get away from campus and have some fun, but to also gain greater knowledge about the topic of zoology and get some insight from the workers at the zoo.  While there, we spoke to a number of different workers who provided us with advice regarding applying for work positions in the field of zoology after graduation.  Each of the individuals that we spoke to mentioned that they were able to obtain their jobs with just a bachelor's degree and plenty of work experience; as a college student about to graduate, this was a pretty promising thing to hear.

Overall, this was a great opportunity that I am very glad I was able to partake in, and I hope that many others will take advantage of this same chance to learn and grow as a student and individual.

Post-Graduation Plans

by Blake S., Panther Blogger

Perhaps one of the most conflicting moments in one's life is deciding what the next step after graduating from college is going to be.  For some individuals, going straight into graduate school may seem to be the best path. However, for many others, including myself, taking some time off and going into the work force may be more appealing.

For a long time, I debated on whether or not I was ready to go straight into graduate school. I knew that I wanted to get a higher degree pertaining to the biological sciences, however there are so many different and fascinating options available. After looking at biomedical, microbiology, plant science, and environmental science programs, I decided that perhaps the best thing for me to do is to take some time off after graduation and experiment around to find out what interests me the most.  That way, I can be sure that I am partaking in a graduate program that I will thoroughly enjoy.

A petri plate containing many different species of microorganisms.

I am currently planning on participating in a few different experiences, all of which I am very interested in, to help me determine what area of the biological sciences fascinates me the most.  One of these is a trip during the summer to Zambia, Africa in which I will be part of a medical mission trip that is organized by Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI).  I will have the opportunity to help save lives and gain experience in the biomedical field.

I am also working on applying for a laboratory technician position at Eastman Chemical Company, in which I would be able to gain more experience with the laboratory aspect of the biological sciences and determine whether the laboratory research field is more for me. I am also planning on volunteering at a few state parks to gain experience in the environmental sciences.  These will all be very helpful experiences that will aid me in determining which career path best suits me.

An outdoor laboratory that is used for environmental science studies.

I strongly encourage all recent college graduates to make sure that the choices they make regarding life after graduation are the right ones for them. One should not feel pressured into applying and attending a graduate school if they do not personally feel like it is what they should do.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a little time off to ensure yourself that the path you are choosing is the one you will be glad you took!

Skits in Biochem Lab!

by Paige R., Panther Blogger

One of my favorite things about Ferrum is the faculty-to-student ratio and consequently, the small class size.  Because of these things, Ferrum students are often given the opportunity to do projects and activities that may not be possible at larger colleges or universities.

In Dr. Smelkova's biochemistry lab on February 27th last week, students used their theatrical skills to perform skits that represent signal-transduction pathways.  These signal-transduction pathways take place inside of our body regularly.  Examples of such pathways include the insulin receptor signaling which regulates metabolism, the epidermal growth factor hormone signaling which causes the growth of epidermal and epithelial cells, and the beta-adrenergic receptor signaling which binds with epinephrine.

I was in the beta-adrenergic receptor signal-transduction pathway skit group.  Our seven group members worked together to determine how to represent the pathway that has many components.  I think my fellow classmates would agree that these skits were a great way to learn the material and a fun activity to do in lab!  This was my favorite lab so far in biochemistry!

Opportunities at Hand During My Last Semester

by Brittany G., Panther Blogger

After four years of college, I am finally looking forward to graduating this May. As my last semester has started, the work load has increased, but there is nothing more satisfying than continuing my education and having a few rare opportunities presented to me.  I currently have four lab classes, which definitely require several hours work outside of class, but one of the best classes I have is Biotechnology.

This class presented me with one of the rare opportunities as an undergraduate student to be able to get published through the science community at the end of the semester.  The course of action for this class involves an afternoon lab in which we have extracted DNA from plants located in the Ferrum Greenhouse, and we will run several tests to amplify the GAPDH, or glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and clone it to obtain genetic information of those plant samples.  As an upper level class, it requires steady and strict laboratory skills in order to produce the results that we want to obtain. At this point, I have extracted the DNA and will continue to work the rest of the semester to copy this GAPDH and write a paper which will be combined with the other students' samples in the class to be peer-reviewed and published!

Finally, another amazing opportunity was presented to me late last semester by several of the science department faculty members. It is something that many of my age and education would not expect to receive, but I have accepted this opportunity and will be traveling to Zambia, Africa with another student to participate in a mobile medical mission.  We are traveling during our mid-summer (their winter) and will be in that area for two weeks to set up clinics where we can see at least 4,000 patients and provide them with the medical attention that they need.  Zambia does not have all of the modern medications that we have here in the United States.  No case is too large for this team to handle, and from the stories I have heard from the previous two students who went, it is going to be life-changing in the case of what we want to do once we graduate.

I am pleased to have these opportunities and it should be an inspiration for everyone to work hard in school to get these types of chances.  No matter what classes someone takes or the type of degree there is, each program has its own perks for working hard once the professors have seen how well someone does in their program.  I cannot thank my professors enough for noticing the hard work and dedication I have to getting the best possible grades and results out of my classes, and for allowing me to continue participating in a variety of things not only to better myself but to represent the college.

If there was one piece of advice I could tell an interested high school student and incoming freshman or transfer, it would be to never give up and always try your best.  The professors will always be there and help you through everything while challenging you because they want to make you a better and stronger student. Everything you learn at Ferrum College and the work that you do will always benefit you in the long run, so keep pushing strong and there will be doors opening for you in the future.

My Trip to Zambia, Africa on a Medical Mission!

by Paige R., Panther Blogger

Please watch my video about my medical mission trip to Zambia, Africa!

Freshman Scholars Was a Blast!

(Samantha was one of the two students who worked on the Buried Body Remains and Decomposition Rates project with faculty mentor Dr. David Nicholson during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Samantha "Girl Sam," Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

My time in the Freshman Scholars Program was a blast!  To be honest, I had expected it to be all business and not as much fun, but it was the complete opposite.  We did have a lot of work to do, but there was plenty of time to do things for fun. For example, we made midnight runs to Cook-Out or watched reruns of the show "Friends." I had such a good time with the professors and the other scholars and was really able to get to know each of them. The stuff that I enjoyed the most from the experience were the people, my research project, and the ropes course.

The research project that I worked on was with Dr. Nicholson on the rate of decomposition on a 12-pound pig. The funniest thing was that my partner's name was also Sam!  We had a Samuel and a Samantha, but everyone just called us "Girl Sam" and "Boy Sam."  Along with the pig, Dr. Nicholson also found a completely decomposed deer skeleton!  We spent time collecting the parts from that skeleton and putting the bones together, which was a fun challenge. Along with the deer, watching the pig decompose was definitely a cool thing to see. Overall, I loved working with Sam and Dr. Nicholson because it was a relaxed environment and the project was about a very interesting topic.

Another thing that I experienced during this program was the high ropes course. Now, I had done a ropes course before, but it was a lot easier than the one we went to. At the ropes course the scholars went to, there were 5 obstacles to get across - each very different. I'm not afraid of heights, but it was nerve-racking for many reasons.  First, it had been a few years since I had done a ropes course. Second, I had never done a ropes course quite like that before. Finally, I have horrible balance. However, it was better because I had an awesome partner - Alicia.  She's super athletic and she would go before me and show me techniques I could try to make it easier.   Then she'd show me how to get up onto the tiny platforms with her.  We were also the first people to go up, and normally, I'm not the type to do anything first. At the end, I felt like I accomplished something awesome, and as a reward, I got to do the zip line!

The best thing about the program was the people I met. I got along great with my roommate during the program, Jessica, and I also met my roommate for my freshman year, Hannah.  I also made new friends, such as Megan and my research partner, Sam.  I never expected to be comfortable so quickly with a group of people.  If anything, I was afraid of not having people to hang out with and being alone, but I loved it!  Before the fall semester started, I already knew the people who I'd be hanging out with the majority of my time at college.  I loved the professors during the program too. All of the Freshman Scholars professors are awesome, especially Dr. Nicholson and Dr. Goff.  They would eat lunch with us, talk to us equally, and joke around with us during activities or during our classes. I am very glad I decided to apply for the Freshman Scholars Program because I felt very prepared as far as already knowing people when I came back, already talking to some of my professors, and getting used to the campus and college life.

A Fun Experience with the Freshman Scholars Program!

(Alison worked on the Population Structure of Pond Turtles and Relation to Urbanization project with faculty mentor Dr. Todd Fredericksen during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Alison, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

For two weeks this summer, I spent all of my time with a group of twelve other scholars along with a group called FOCUS.  As an incoming freshman to college, I was nervous but quickly made a group of close friends who I know will help me succeed for the next four years. I was also intimidated because the reason that we had all come to the program was because we excelled at something. Whether it was math, science, psychology, or any other field, we were chosen over the other applicants for a reason and I didn't want to let anyone down or have my professor regret choosing me. It was definitely some of the hardest work I've ever done before, but it was also some of the most rewarding. I worked with Dr. Fredericksen to study the effects of urbanization on pond turtles, as well as how their environment in and around the pond affected the turtle population. We looked at the sex and age ratios, and we found that the pond with more nutrients had more turtles.

One of my favorite parts of the Freshman Scholars Program was that we earned college credit before even starting our fall semester!  Another favorite part of the two-week program was making connections and having awesome field trips and activities that we did together. While working on our individual projects, we also had time for a welcome picnic, a chance to visit a nationally-acclaimed zoo, and complete the low and high ropes course. We also had multiple game nights, a movie night, an optional worship service on Sunday morning, and a nature walk on the trail behind Dyer Hall.

We each gave a presentation after the first week to share information about our projects with everyone else in the program. It was really cool to see how everyone was doing and to get feedback on our own projects. After the two weeks were up, we presented our final posters to our friends and family. The bonds I made with everyone during the program will last forever and by the end of the two weeks, I couldn't wait to return to campus to hang out with all of these people during the regular school year.  I am even rooming with one of the girls I met in the program!  Having been a part of this program will help me socially and academically, which (as I've learned) are equally important and are directly related to your success at college.  I've also learned that your peers aren't just your classmates who are your own age; your professors are also your peers.  I'm glad that the professors I've met so far on campus are all really nice and are willing to talk to you and go the extra mile to help you with anything you need.  Enjoy the photos!

Microbiology REU Program

by Blake S., Panther Blogger

This summer, I was privileged with the honor of being a participant in the 2013 Microbiology REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program at Virginia Tech. This was an intensive ten-week research program in which the participants were placed into a laboratory of their interest and assigned a research project to complete.  The project that I performed dealt with the plant pathogenic bacteria Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, which is responsible for causing blight and wilting in sweet corn.

Throughout this project, I analyzed specific genes in this bacteria's DNA to determine whether or not they play a significant role in the bacterial infection.  This was a very interesting experience, and I was exposed to numerous laboratory techniques that I have never even heard of before. The amount of knowledge that I gained from this program was unbelievable, and it has allowed me to develop a greater understanding of various concepts that I am now able to implement into my independent research here at Ferrum College.

During the course of the ten-week research program, we had to make sure that we took time to go out and have some fun too.  The other program participants and I took numerous trips just to get away from the campus and clear our minds from the research. Some of the things we did included hiking to the Cascade Falls of Pembroke, Virginia, going to see a fireworks show on July 4th, and spending a weekend in Washington, D.C.  By participating in these activities, we became very close with one another and formed a family.  When the ten weeks finally came to an end, it was difficult to say good-bye, but thanks to this program, we each now have networking connections with one another from all across the United States.

Our last dinner at Macado's in Blacksburg

The Ferrum faculty help connect their students with great opportunities like this. My professor and independent research mentor, Dr. Gazdik, found out when the applications for the Microbiology REU program were available and encouraged me to apply.  I'm so glad I did!  Being a participant in this program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it helped me to develop both my career interests and research interests. I highly encourage those who are considering a career in research to apply to the Microbiology REU program, and if anyone has any sort of questions about the experience I had in the program, please feel free to contact me!

- Blake

A Non-Traditional Freshman in Freshman Scholars

(Tonja was one of two students who worked on the Development of an Animal Model for the Cognitive Deficits Observed in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) project with faculty mentor Dr. Megan St. Peters during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Tonja P., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

After many years of being out of school and in the real world, I made a decision to go back to college. I chose Ferrum College for this new chapter in my life for many reasons. For one, it is near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and I needed to get away from the killer Texas heat. The second reason was that it offered the classes I wanted to study further. My goal is to become an Art Therapist for children with special needs, and Ferrum offers both Art and Psychology programs.

After enrolling, I decided to join the Freshman Scholars program. I wasn't quite sure at the time what this program involved exactly, but I did know that I would be working directly with a professor on campus and one other student. I thought this would be a good way for me to transition back into the school scene without getting too overwhelmed with feeling like the odd man out. It would also help me to further my education and earn credits in the field of study I was pursuing.

The first day of Freshman Scholars was an eventful and slightly overwhelming day. I met several other people who were 15 years younger than me. They talked of the latest trends, video games, what they accomplished in high school, how they would celebrate their 18th birthday soon, and of social medias that I have never heard of - like Snapchat.  I felt excluded and out of my comfort zone.  I thought that I had nothing in common with these people except that I was a student as well. At one point, I felt frustrated with my choice. I did not want to have to socialize with these people that I had nothing in common with, but I wanted to learn and excel instead. Then, class began and we got to meet with our professor and begin what I came to Ferrum to do.  Over the next few days, I realized that I had made the right choice.

Once the newness of everyone meeting settled down, the seriousness came out in the other students.  I felt more connected to them.  It was less about socializing and more about learning and sharing study tips and ideas.  Several offered suggestions for me in studying and helped me learn new tips on the computer. The professors were also very encouraging and positive. They have taken the time to get to know us personally and offered to help in any way.  I feel like I can call my Freshman Scholars team the start of my Ferrum family.

Freshman Scholars not only taught me a great deal about research in the psychology field, but it also taught me how to work as a team with another generation from which I first felt so disconnected. It has created a bond that would not otherwise be there in normal everyday life. I am excited about this new semester knowing I have the support of the other students and the professors!

Summer Science Research

by Brittany G., Panther Blogger

As a student at Ferrum College, I get the opportunity to work with the professors and other workers here on campus over the summer doing many different things. I will be a senior in the fall, and this is my first time being offered a summer position to stay on campus in an apartment and work for the school doing research. I am currently working on researching the interaction between an entomopathogenic fungus called Metarhizium and specific insects such as fruit flies, spider mites, thrips, and white flies.  I am helping with all of this research in Garber Hall with Dr. Glen Stevens and several employees from Novozymes, located in Salem, VA.

Image taken with the scanning electron microscope.
Property of Ferrum College.

Currently, the research involves knowing basic handling of the scanning electron microscope, as well as the use of Metarhizium and the insects of interest.  Metarhizium is a fungus that kills insects which are known to thrive on cash crops such as vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and some flowers.  It targets soil-borne insect larvae as well as infecting the leaf sucking and feeding of the pests to either severely damage or kill them.  At this time, we have worked with five different formulations of Metarhizium and introduced it to fruit flies and spider mites by dipping them in the solutions or by spraying them at Novozymes with a Potter Spray Tower.

Image taken with the scanning electron microscope.
Property of Ferrum College.

After introducing specific pests to the fungus, we have been looking at the spores under the scanning electron microscope. I have learned several techniques for using the microscope from Dr. Michaela Gazdik and Dr. Bob Pohlad over the past few weeks, which have led to several intriguing pictures of these tiny insects with spores of fungus on them. From these pictures, we are focusing on trying to find the rate of germination and clumping of the fungus over a period of time, typically at 2, 24, and 72 hours. 

I have completed four weeks of research so far, and I have learned many new things from conducting my basic research to learning how to handle many different insects and interacting with a very professional company.  It has taught me to always ask questions that I may think of no matter how simple or small they may seem. Although this research has just begun, we still have several weeks left and much still to accomplish with our questions, research abilities, and with the knowledge and funding provided by Novozymes.

Image taken with the scanning electron microscope.
Property of Ferrum College.

If it was not for the hard work that I have put into my schooling thus far, I would not be able to be a part of something so wonderful for the curiosity and questioning within my scientific reasoning.  I am thrilled to be staying on campus with other students who are working on different projects.  I am also excited that I will be allowed the opportunity to possibly publish my name on several things, such as journals and posters that can be presented to the scientific community later this year!