7/18/12
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Maggie Benson '13 and Biology Professor Grace Lim-Fong |
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Benson is studying an invasive marine invertebrate. |
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Randolph-Macon College student
Maggie Benson ’13 is conducting hands-on research this summer. Her Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship (
SURF) project involves studying an invasive marine invertebrate,
Bugula neritina.
“I am researching to find out why one of the genotypes of the species is invasive,” says the
biology major. “I collect larvae in the morning and perform settlement experiments and measure larval size throughout the day. Once this part of my study is completed, I will perform molecular analyses.”
Benson, a Sparks, Maryland native, has always enjoyed the sciences, and she applied to the SURF program in order to hone her research skills.
“I felt that it would be a great experience that can help me in my future education and career,” she says. “SURF enhances my academic experience by allowing me to experience hands-on research. I’m also fine-tuning my ability to write scientific papers.”
Benson meets with her SURF mentor, Biology Professor Grace-Lim Fong, each day to discuss the research.
“Having a mentor is great because Professor Lim-Fong is there to answer questions and guide me—but she also lets me figure things out on my own. She is helping me become a better researcher.”
“Maggie enrolled in an independent research course in the spring semester prior to SURF and will continue her research in the fall semester for her senior capstone,” says Lim-Fong. “She has such an intuitive feel for research and has impeccable organizational skills—traits that will serve her well in her future career.”
In addition to participating in the SURF program, Benson is a member of the
lacrosse team, a student trainer for the
football team, and a member of
Chi Beta Phi and
Beta Beta Beta. Her post-R-MC plans include Physical Therapy school.
SURF was introduced in 1995 as an endowment to support scholarly undergraduate research by students in all disciplines. Students conduct 10 weeks of full-time, original research during the summer months, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The initial gift for the program was made by Benjamin Schapiro ’64 and his wife Peggy.