Cate Jeschke
URAP
Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I worked with Dr. Hatch on her work in investigating environmental injustice in the Chicago area through measuring soil lead levels. I assisted her in collecting, preparing, analyzing, and interpreting the data in order to build on her growing dataset.
What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
When I first saw the project, I was really interested in its environmental justice lens, and really liked that it integrated science and social justice. I was eager to do research and this project stood out to be for both its topic and the breadth in skills that I could learn.
What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My experience in this research has solidified my interest in applying skills across my interests in multiple ways. As an environmental science major and computer science major I have become really interested in finding the intersection between these two disciplines, as I have found it incredibly helpful to use these skills in application of my interest in environmental science.
Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I think the research I did has helped me gain skills in a variety of areas – from field work to the chemistry to data analysis, I think I was able to gain good general research skills to be well rounded and prepared for varying types of research in the future. Generally, I think I gained some new organizational skills in tracking work and structuring future research to answer our overarching questions.
Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
When you go into the project, think both about you want to get out of it and how you can contribute to it. I think research becomes even more meaningful when you find ways to apply your own skills or skills you’re learning in your classes to your research. I think doing so, and getting creative about putting your skills into the research, can really help you get excited about doing it.
What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
The Velveteen Rabbit