Blake Trygestad participated in Iowa State University's Science with Practice program.

2017 Dec 18

Blake Trygestad, majoring in Agronomy 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.

Trygestad was advised by Dr. Silvia Cianzio, professor in agronomy, on a project titled "Screening of soybean lines for soybean cyst nematode resistance." This project was on Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), one of the most devastating soybean pathogens. There are many ways to manage SCN, however the most effective is growing soybean varieties resistant to SCN. Blake screened thirteen soybean recombinants inbreed lines for SCN resistance by using DNA extraction, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and gel electrophoresis.

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.