Alexandra Marek participated in Iowa State University's Science with Practice program.

2016 Dec 9

Alexandra Marek, Public Service and Administration in Agriculture at Iowa State University, was a participant of Science with Practice. Science with Practice is a learning and work experience program in research and related laboratories for undergraduate students. Students work closely with faculty and graduate students to gain experience in their field of study.

Students are able to conduct research and form mentoring relationships with faculty while earning money and academic credit. The program allows students to develop an understanding of the links between research and practical real-world situations and problems.

Marek was advised by Amanda Blair, Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative, on a project titled "Growing FarmHer." This project with FarmHer, a company promoting women in agriculture, is to track social engagement with their followers and increase overall engagement as well as frequency of posts to see what works the best. She also worked on the Grow by FarmHer events that will be in four different states the upcoming school year.

In total, nearly 20 undergraduate student and 24 mentors participated in the program during Fall 2016. As part of the program, students establish individualized learning agreements with faculty mentors, create a final portfolio and complete biweekly journals of their semester progress. The semester concludes with a public poster presentation where students share their projects and experiences.

The Science with Practice program, administered through the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies, has linked students with faculty research for over 10 years. Students may participate in the program multiple semesters. For more information visit https://www.ageds.iastate.edu/content/science-practice-swp.

This program is funded by the ISU Agricultural Endowment Board, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Van Wert Family Endowment.