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Kathleen Nemer is a fourth-year student double-majoring in human nutrition and French language and culture. Her research focuses on the nutritional benefits of a compound found in pomegranate seeds.
How did you become involved in research?
I came across my research position after taking a spring quarter Freshman Seminar Course entitled "Fitting Nutrition into Your Genes." At the end of the course, I asked one of the professors, Dr. Martha Belury, if she had suggestions for how to get involved in research in the Department of Human Nutrition. She directed me to the faculty website to learn more about research in nutrition, and also suggested that I follow up with her the following school year. I kept looking for research positions, and the next year I sought out Dr. Belury. She had an undergraduate opening in her lab, and I began working for her in the spring of 2007.
How did you find this research topic?
A visiting scientist from Japan, Dr. Koba, was working in Dr. Belury’s lab on a project involving punicic acid and mice. Punicic acid is a fatty acid found primarily in pomegranate seed oil, and research suggests that it may promote weight loss and maintain muscle mass in obese mice. This piqued my interest, and I began working with Dr. Koba to study punicic acid’s affect on fat and muscle mass.
What are the benefits of participating in research?
Research has been a wonderful experience for me. I’ve learned different lab techniques, analyzed research articles and written grants. I regularly interact with graduate and doctoral students who openly share their knowledge. Being an undergraduate researcher has enhanced my undergraduate experience 100-fold. It really challenges you to think critically and delve deeper into a field of study that is interesting to you.
What advice would you give to current undergraduates who want to get involved in research?
For undergraduates looking for a research experience, I would follow the suggestion of my research advisor: Peruse the faculty websites in the research departments that interest you. E-mail the faculty to show your interest, as well as to get more information. It is important to take the initiative to get involved with research. A few undergraduates are lucky and the position finds them. For others, it really takes some digging to find what you are looking for. But stay positive and engaged in your search, and you will be successful!
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