Hello, my name is Brian Schnoor and I am
a bioengineering major working in the Nanotechnology Lab with Dr.
Salvador-Morales. I am currently working
on a project applying nanotechnology to agriculture and weed control. I hope to
develop a Nanoherbicide that will provide more effective protection against
harmful weeds while avoiding the major environmental problems caused by the
widespread use of herbicides. Current herbicides are washed into major
waterways as runoff, contaminating the waterways and killing many of the native
plants. By encapsulating this herbicide in a nanoparticle, I hope to reduce
these environmental problems.
Working on this project has been a
great experience for me. I have learned so much from practical lab experience.
Along with basic techniques, this project forced me to learn how to design
experiments, properly analyze data, schedule my time wisely, and present my
results in a professional manner. I cannot thank Dr. Salvador-Morales enough
for mentoring me through this project. In addition to teaching me lab
procedures and monitoring my work in the lab, Dr. Salvador-Morales was also
very active in guiding me through the finer points of managing my own project.
We sit down on a regular basis and have invaluable discussions on the progress
of my project, what information is still missing, and a plan for how to fill in
the holes in my project. The experience of actually working in a lab and
tackling these issues has given me an education beyond what I have learned in
my class work.
And the URSP program has added
another layer on top of this education. Between the grant proposal, and the
poster presentation, I have learned a great deal about presenting and explaining
my research in a professional setting. Additionally, the URSP seminars have
connected me to some of the peers and mentors I can turn to for advice about my
research project. Overall, I cannot be more grateful for this opportunity to
conduct research at Mason because it has given me a practical, hands-on
experience to enhance my education.
