CONNECT 2021

Meghan Sealey Ph.D. | Statistics Fourth Year Houston, TX How did you get started researching ? A few years ago, I collaborated with Dr. Lisa Slevitch from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management on a study that was later published. This opportunity inspired me to grow my publication list, so I looked for a graduate student position as a research assistant. I was offered a position within the Center for Health Systems Innovation at OSU, which brought me many more research and publication opportunities. Research Impacts My research involves analyzing medical-related data with the goal of innovating ways to improve health care decision-making. One of my projects will help medical professionals understand COVID-19 impacts on their patients. Recent Research Activities I recently finished a study on determining the most important risk factors associated with fatal COVID-19 encounters. This work has been featured on multiple media outlets such as KOSU radio and KWTV/Oklahoma’s News 9. This study is now pending publication. Future Plans Teaching has been my passion since I started graduate school; my future goal is to be a statistics professor. I plan to continue my research and inspire future students just as my mentors have influenced me here at OSU. Zoe Siebert Major | Plant Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Minor | Pre-Pharmacy Class of 2022 Edmond, OK How did you get started researching ? In high school, I was not sure what research entailed, but my curiosity led me to the Freshman Research Scholars program. I thought it would be a great way to connect with students and faculty. This program led me to meet my mentor, Dr. Heejin Yoo. Research Impacts I study amino acid biosynthetic genes in plant effector-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis. This is important because discovering the contribution of amino acids during plant immunity will provide beneficial information for crop yield and management in agriculture. Recent Research Activities I was named the Spring 2021 Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Outstanding Senior and awarded a 2021 Women’s Faculty Council Student Research Award. Future Plans I plan to attend pharmacy school to obtain my Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SC I ENCES 21