Green Superstars
March 2014
Environmental Studies Lab Assistants
Anne Dinh (Class of 2015)
Vinh Tran (Class of 2015)
Koichi Kanaoka
(Class of 2016)
You've probably seen them in class or around campus by now. Maybe you've even had a chance to ask Vinh or Anne about their studies abroad in Japan. However, you probably didn't think to ask any of them about what it's like working in the labs at SUA. The SSU Sustainability Committee (SC) decided to interview them to find out what goes on in the lab and what it takes to work there.
SC: How long have you been working at the lab?
Anne: Two and a half years.
Vinh: Two years in Dr. Robert's lab and two months with Lisa Krummet.
Koichi: Since freshman year, so one and a half years.
SC: How did you get the lab assistant position? Did you take class with Dr. Robert first or just apply and see what happened?
V: I just applied.
K: I was asked if I wanted to work by Dr. Robert when I was taking his Environmental Microbiology class because there was an job opening mid semester.
SC: What does an average day in the lab look like?
A: We work 2 days a week for 5 hours each. What we do depends on the agenda. Some days all we do is set up for an experiment as prep for the next time.
K: We also go out to the field and collect samples.
V: Now, I mostly clean Lisa's lab, or I set up experiments for her classes.
SC: So do you miss working in Dr. Robert's lab?
V: Yes. More hours.
SC: How often do you get to do field work?
A: Depends.
K: I go once a month for biomass sampling.
A: Last year there were capstone students, so we helped them out gathering greenhouse gas samples from wetlands in New Port Bay.
K: We each have specialties by training. I do mostly field work because I have clumsy hands.
A: I’m weak against the elements, so I do all the sample analyses indoors.
SC: So you have to be able to drive.
K: I have a car, so I drive everyone.
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| Vinh and Koichi collecting samples in the field |
SC: What’s the most difficult part about working in the lab?
K: The work hours. You get drowsy after lunch, but you have to keep your concentration up.
A: There are no real breaks. The hours used to vary more, but now it's all 5 hours all at once.
V: Trying not to break stuff. Freshman year I accidentally broke something. The experiments can be long too--up to 8 hours. You have to finish them.
SC: What’s best part?
A: Seeing Dr. Robert in his natural form...
V: Getting paid!
A: But really, it's great for anyone who wants to gain lab experience, and I encourage them to apply for these positions. There's lots of hands on experience. You learn a lot.
K: You also get bonuses, like the conference in Hawaii.
SC: Did you have to do work while you were in Hawaii, or did you get to hang out?
K: We had to look at several of the researchers' posters, but we spent the rest of the time on the beach.
A: Vinh spent more time looking at posters and attending workshops...
V: I'm not so much for the beach.
SC: Did Soka cover travel expenses?
K: Travel, the hotel and food--everything was paid for.
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| The lab assistants take a well-deserved break on the beach |
SC: What classes are you guys going to take next?
V: Requirements. I've already taken 5 or 6 concentration courses.
A: Busenberg.
K: Environmental management. Also, I hope to do an independent study with Dr. Robert on biogeochemistry. I want to learn more about the topic in detail.
A: Having worked in the lab, sometimes we learn something before we get to the class. Then, it's like, "I finally understand it!"
SC: Vinh and Anne: now that you're juniors, and after helping past seniors with their capstones, do you have any ideas for your own capstone topics?
V: Dr. Robert already set capstone topic for me.
SC: Are you continuing some of the work that former capstone students have done with him in the past?
V: It's related, but not directly following it.
A: I'm still working on ideas, but I'm interested in microbiology.
SC: Do you think you want to continue doing scientific research after Soka?
V: Why not?
A: I would I enjoy it a lot.
K: I think it’s important to know these things, and I like science—well not as much as Vinh—but I want to make more of a direct impact rather than, "I made this discovery," and people apply that knowledge to make the change. But I think it’s a really good foundation for what I want to do. Maybe this sounds silly, but my end goal is to stop global warming by creating a sustainable model for developing countries.
A: A lot of countries are willing to sacrifice the environment for economic development.
SC: Do you have any advice for students who are afraid their math skills aren't good enough to work in the lab?
K: There's not so much math.
A: It’s all working with your hands. It’s all about how you pipette.
If you want to know more about Anne, Vinh, and Koichi's experiences in the lab, they would be pleasantly surprised and happy to talk about it! They're all very knowledgeable. You can also send Dr. Robert an email any time to set up a tour of the lab or watch these guys at work to see if it's something you might like to do.
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If you know someone who deserves recognition as a GREEN SUPERSTAR in the coming months, please message us below, on Facebook, or at SSU_EnvironmentalDepartment@soka.edu .
