Shayla Miller: Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Shayla Miller joined Allison Gardner, associate professor of Biology and Ecology, in her project studying the relationship between tick abundance and trail proximity in Acadia National Park. The project integrates data from biological, climate, and social science research that can be used to identify ecological and social and cultural factors that influence the risk of human exposure to Lyme disease transmission.
Below, Miller shares her perspectives on her REU experience at the end of the program.
My ten weeks with UMaine and Allison Gardner’s Vector Biology Lab has been wonderful. I spent most of my days in Acadia National Park collecting ticks, specifically looking for blacklegged ticks or “deer ticks” that can cause Lyme disease. Acadia is so beautiful and I worked with a great team that made my time there better than words can describe.
Being able to participate in a new area of research not only increased my knowledge of that field but also helped increase confidence as a researcher and student. The experience of creating and presenting a poster was a new learning experience, and I feel very prepared for future research endeavors after this program. Working in the lab and participating in research opened my eyes to a new field of biology that I thoroughly enjoy. I realized I would like to explore this field more in future years and possibly take time to pursue a Master’s degree in the subject.
My original plans before I came to this REU were to go straight into medical school after graduating. I didn’t have a back-up plan should I not get into medical school, I had always thought I would figure it out when I came to that point.
But after completing the REU my plans have changed. I am now considering applying for graduate school and pursuing a Master’s degree in medical entomology before I apply to medical school. I feel this would be a good stepping stone between my undergraduate work and medical school, and will better prepare me for a future career in medicine. As a med student, I plan on specializing in internal medicine and working in rural Oklahoma. All the people I have met and had the privilege getting to know this summer have taught me so much, and I am so grateful to have had this experience.