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In typical college laboratory courses, students often perform experiments with known outcomes, but Rhae Anna Riegel ’07 conducted groundbreaking research to find new answers to real questions.
Riegel, who graduated May 19 with a B.S. in biology, studied the pupils of turtles to determine if their eyes respond to light in the same way as human eyes. She worked under the guidance of James Dearworth, assistant professor of biology.
Riegel presented her work at the 83rd annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science in Pittsburgh, Pa. March 30-April 1.
She was excited to direct her own independent study research and appreciates the value of such an experience for future careers in scientific fields.
“I got interested in research because it allows the student to solve a problem without a predicted outcome or a professor guiding the experiment,” says Riegel. “I think this experience is invaluable, as when graduating students enter the scientific workforce, no one will be there to tell them how to do things. We must become self-sufficient in the lab. In essence, this was the first time that I was on my own. The premise of producing work that is truly my own is thrilling.”
Riegel believes Dearworth was genuinely interested in her progress, providing the right mix of autonomy and guidance in the lab.
He believes the experience will benefit Riegel when she attends University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine.
“Before she even goes to medical school, she has designed an experiment, implemented it, and then explained what she has found,” he says. “For example, she presented her results at the meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science held in Pittsburgh. If she decides to do dental research, this will clearly help her.”
Riegel considers Lafayette an ideal environment for undergraduate research opportunities.
“The school is supportive of the students who do research – often holding sessions where students can present their findings – and makes it easy to get involved,” she says. “Lafayette also provides students outside the sciences chances to participate in research, which is important.”
Riegel’s coursework within the biology department prepared her to take on challenging and independent research.
“I loved being a biology major at Lafayette,” she explains. “I have found some of the most brilliant professors in this department who are talented both inside the classroom and in the laboratory. This school is a fantastic place to major in biology, as it is a small community that affords the student personal attention with the professors and a tight-knit community of majors. The courses are diverse and exciting – you can concentrate on almost any individual facet of this field at Lafayette. I look forward to my dental education, and am grateful that Lafayette has prepared me so well for my future.”
Riegel was a head resident adviser, and a teaching assistant and tutor for Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Riegel’s artwork was showcased in the Hot Young Artists of the Valley exhibit held at Northampton Community College, and she contributed to an outdoor sculpture display for the On Ice exhibit at the Williams Center for the Arts.
Independent study projects are among several major programs that have made Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. The College sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year; 21 students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.