SP
Sabrina Portner
  • Sleepy Eye, MN

Sabrina Portner participated in Iowa State University's Science with Practice program.

2017 Dec 18

Sabrina Portner, majoring in dairy science 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.

Portner was advised by Dr. Lance Baumgard, professor in animal science, on a project titled "Effects of dietary zinc supplementation on immune function in lactating dairy cows." This project sought to determine whether zinc supplementation alters immune system glucose utilization following immunostimulation. Neutrophil function was measured during a 12 hour lipopolysaccharide challenge. During an infection cattle repartition nutrients away from productive processes and towards mounting an immune response. Zinc may help to improve immune cell dynamics.

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.