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Biology major and NCAA Division I athlete writes about her work with Nancy Waters, associate professor of biology
Kathleen Kretzmer ’09 (Bakersfield, Calif.) is performing independent research exploring the chemical systems used by invasive plant species to survive in certain locations. Kretzmer, a biology major and member of the College’s women’s volleyball team, is working with Nancy Waters, associate professor of biology. The project is a continuation of work done by Emily Cholak ’08.
Allelopathy refers to the ability of a single plant to have an effect on another plant through a chemical interaction. This interaction usually results in a competitive advantage being gained by the plant releasing biomolecules called allelochemicals. This mechanism is thought to be employed by many invasive plant species, and may account for their high degree of success in certain areas.
In my study, I have attempted to isolate the effect of allelochemicals on macrophytes (plants that dominate wetlands, shallow lakes, and streams) that I collected from Merrill Creek Reservior in Washington, N.J. I planted the species in small aquaria and added an extract of Eleocharis acicularis (a grass-like perennial herb) to the tanks two times per week throughout the fall semester. The addition of the extract to the water in which the plants were growing introduced allelochemicals into the tanks, and had an observable effect on the growth and germination of the plants.
I found that the preparation for my experiment involved almost as much time as actually conducting the study. I went on several trips to Merrill Creek Reservoir with Professor Waters to collect plants and sediment. This is the kind of hands-on, get-your-feet-wet (literally) learning that I have had the opportunity to participate in through my research experience, and it has contributed to my thoughts on the direction I would like to take after graduation. I have become increasingly interested in environmental science and conservation biology throughout my four years at Lafayette.
The allelopathic mechanisms that I have been researching apply directly to the field of conservation biology in that invasive plants often threaten the persistence of native, sometimes endangered, plant species. Although I do not yet have firm plans for my future, I know that my research experience has contributed to my passion for the environmental sciences.
This project is an ongoing process that I am continuing this semester, with the hopes of gaining a better understanding of the composition of the allelochemicals released by Eleocharis acicularis. I have found that doing research with Professor Waters has not only focused on my subject matter, but has also been about my process of learning and discovery.
I have become a more independent thinker and have learned more about the experimental process than I ever did in a structured lab experience through a science course. In this way, independent research opportunities at Lafayette allow students to explore areas of personal interest in greater detail, while gaining skills (like the ability to research, conduct experiments, and direct projects) that will be applicable long after graduation.