Bumblebee Behavior
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes NSF-Supported Study of Insects' Foraging Habits
Name: Alex Bzdafka '27
Hometown: Solon, Ohio
High School: Solon High School
Majors: Biology and Environmental Science
OWU Connection Experience: Bzdafka completed a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) internship at Georgia Southern University.
"While I was there, I conducted research on the common eastern bumblebee's (Bombus impatiens) foraging habits," Bzdafka says. "During the program, my cohort and I also visited several barrier islands and learned about their ecological function. We also learned about the unique ecology of the coastal plains."
Why This Experience?
"REUs are incredible experiences for any undergrad because they are highly respected. This experience provided me with an opportunity to develop my skills as a researcher and exposed me to different career paths and ecosystems. I also built connections with the faculty at GSU and the other fellows.
"The connections and the experience I gained from my REU will help me get accepted into graduate school, as it has prepared me to conduct more research in the future."
My Favorite Moments
"It's hard to pick one moment because the entire experience was truly incredible. I would say that I loved visiting the Okefenokee Swamp. It was a two-day trip, and it was so fun. While we were staying in the lodges the first night, all of us fellows were working on our speed talks and getting tips from grad students and faculty. I felt really connected with everyone in that moment, and we were bonding over a common love for science and research.
"The next day, we traveled to the swamp and got to experience a unique ecosystem … and I got to see alligators in the wild. That night, we presented our speed talks, and I had a great time sharing my research with everyone and listening to the other talks. Then the fellows made dinner together, and we ate together like a big family. This was probably my favorite part of the program since I was spending time with people who felt like family to me, and we all got to share the research we were passionate about."
Lessons Learned
"I would say if there was one thing that I learned or did during my REU that corresponded to my coursework, it would have to be curiosity. All of my coursework has helped to foster in me a sense of curiosity, along with the knowledge of where to seek out answers and the foundation to understand the answers I find.
"I learned that I definitely want to go to graduate school, and that obtaining my master's degree before my Ph.D. is the best option for me. This is so that I can broaden my horizons and expand my skill set and knowledge base.
"[O]nce I got into the program, I gained confidence in my ability to develop studies, to make them robust, and to solve problems when they arise.
Hands-On Experience
"[T]he experience you gain from doing something hands-on cannot be obtained in a classroom. Gaining confidence that you can do something and that you really know what you are doing, has to be gained through failure and through being pushed to do something new. This is what I got through my REU, as I felt confident in my desire to conduct research, but I lacked confidence in my ability to carry it out.
"However, once I got into the program, I gained confidence in my ability to develop studies, to make them robust, and to solve problems when they arise. It is also hard to truly gain mastery in a classroom setting, as mastery is gained by repetition and diligence. Both (also) are critical to success in a lecture setting, but it is difficult or impossible to gain true mastery in such an environment due to constraints such as time and the need to cover content."
My REU Mentor
"My mentor was Dr. Isaac Park from Georgia Southern University. He helped mentor me by assisting with developing a principal research question, teaching me statistical principles, how to use programming software, poster design, and abstract submissions for conferences. Dr. Park was a great mentor for me since he allowed me the space to figure things out on my own, but was there to assist when I ran into problems. He also gave me the freedom to get things done on my time without giving me deadlines."
Invaluable OWU
"I asked my research advisor, Dr. Park, why he chose me for the program, and he told me that the first reason was because I had previous research experience with pollination ecology. I got that experience from my independent study with Dr. (Laurie) Anderson.
"The second reason was because I could use the SEM (scanning electron microscope). Having taken Dr. (Laura) Tuhela-Reuning's course provided me with the experience and knowledge needed to operate that piece of equipment, and Dr. Park wanted someone with that expertise, and I was the only one. It is an incredibly rare skill for an undergraduate student to have, so it is something that really sets anyone who takes the class apart from the rest.
"While in Georgia, I had all the knowledge needed to operate their SEM with confidence, and I was able to get a number of really high-quality images. I even got one of them published during the program on paldat.org. This was a huge accomplishment as it is a scientist's job to get published, and it was a testament to my skills that I could produce something worthy of publication."
My Campus Involvements
Bzdafka is a member of the Battling Bishop men's track & field team as well as a member of the Department of Environment and Sustainability student board.
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I was initially drawn to Ohio Wesleyan for track; however, that was not the deciding factor for me. I am first and foremost a student, and my main goal is to get a good education. I was intrigued by the OWU Connection, and once I had a conversation with Dr. (Laurie) Anderson, who is now my advisor, and I learned more about the opportunity for students here, that is what truly sold me."
My Plans After Graduation
"I plan to get my M.S. and then my Ph.D. afterward. Ohio Wesleyan has provided me with the knowledge to be a successful grad student. My connection experience -- an independent study with Dr. Anderson that helped me gain acceptance to my REU -- has also been instrumental, as experience is an incredibly valuable thing to have on a CV for grad school applications. All of my experiences up until this point have made me confident that I will gain acceptance into a master's program and that I will excel wherever I go."