Amanda Kindred
  • Animal Ecology
  • Class of 2018
  • Cedar Rapids, IA

Amanda Kindred participated in Iowa State University's Science with Practice program.

2017 Dec 18

Amanda Kindred, majoring in Animal Ecology at Iowa State University, was a participant in Science with Practice this fall. 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.

Kindred was advised by Dr. Mary Harris, natural resource ecology and management, on a project titled "Native Bee Species Diversity as a Function of Floral Diversity in Iowa Contour Buffer and Filter Strips." This project sought to address bee diversity as a function of floral diversity within the context of contour buffer and filter strips within agricultural fields. Changing ecosystems have negative impacts on pollinator species. In our local arena, the status of our native bees is largely unknown. Little data exists regarding species richness, or abundance.

In total, nearly 20 undergraduate students and mentors participated in the program during fall 2017. 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 since spring 2005. Students may participate in the program multiple semesters.

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