Sophia Rotole participated in Iowa State University's Science with Practice program.

2017 May 2

Sophia Rotole, majoring in Agricultural Engineering at Iowa State University, was a participant in 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.

Rotole was advised by Dr. Allen Pattillo, natural resource ecology and management, on a project titled "Mini-Aquaponics: Engineering a More Sustainable World." This project designed and engineered a small-scale aquaponics system to be used in a household or classroom setting, identified as critical for the continuation of extension education in fisheries. The system designed in this study will be used in ISU Extension workshops.

In total, almost 25 undergraduate students and mentors participated in the program during spring 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 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.