Laura Serrato
Spatial distribution of genetic diversity within Rhododendron groenlandicum and Rhododendron tomentosum
UAF Junior
B.S. Biological Sciences
Laura is a Spring 2025 Student Project Award recipient.
Arctic plant species are great model organisms for understanding climate change as
they are some of the first to experience its effects. Laura's project uses DNA sequencing
and analysis of two Labrador Tea species, Rhododendron groenlandicum and Rhododendron
tomentosum to provide an overview of their population ranges and possible changes
in parts of Alaska, Canada and Russia. Additionally, the project will delve into the
possible hybridization of these species in Alaska as previously seen in Canada, or
possible environmental reasons for its lack thereof.
How is your project going so far this semester?
My project is going well! I am currently doing DNA extractions from samples we obtained
from the University of Alaska Museum of the North’s herbarium, which has data on the
date and location each sample was plucked. Some of our samples are as old as 1928!
It’s been very interesting and rewarding to work on a project that is investigating
effects of climate change as well as trying to further delve into the hybridization
or speciation of Labrador Tea species; especially since this species holds key roles
in both its ecosystem and folklore medicine. I am excited to send our samples out
to be sequenced and have them back for analysis.
How did you find out about URSA and what encouraged you to submit an application for funding?
I first heard about URSA in Dr Diana Wolf’s genetics class when she told us about
URSA’s research mixer in Fall 2024. I went to the mixer and learned about a lot of
research and funding opportunities from URSA and other similar organizations. I also
heard about URSA from classmates that had used it in the past and had very positive
comments about [their experiences]. But it was my mentor, Dr. Wolf, who encouraged
me to submit an application and helped me through that process. At first, I was intimidated
since this is my first time doing research and applying for funding. I contacted
Erin Kirchner, URSA Coordinator and Assistant Director, and she was very kind, explained
the process thoroughly, and gave me feedback on my application prior to me submitting
it. It was a very positive process!
How does your URSA project relate to your career or personal goals?
URSA is directly related to my career goals! I have always wanted to work in a science
and/or medicine related field. Although I have a lot of clinical experience from being
a medical assistant for many years, I didn’t have any laboratory experience outside
of the classroom prior to this project. My URSA project and my mentor, Dr. Wolf, allowed
me the opportunity to gain hands on laboratory and research experience and I am most
grateful. This will further my career goals by giving me research experience, which
I will use to apply to graduate school once I graduate with my bachelors. Additionally,
it has also had an effect on my personal goals. I like research even more than I had
anticipated and I’m definitely hoping to continue to do it in the future!
If you could share one piece of advice with students interested in pursuing URSA in the future, what would you say?
I would say go for it! I know firsthand that the process seems so daunting and overwhelming at first. But if you reach out to the URSA staff they are extremely welcoming and helpful, and will aid you throughout each step of the process. I would also say lean on your mentor, they have likely helped other students through this before, may be familiar with the process,and will be able to offer some insight. If you don’t have a mentor yet, URSA can help with that, too. Overall I would say, you miss all the shots you don’t take. I would encourage anyone who is interested in any type of research, not just scientific research, to try to get involved. You’ll learn so much and really enjoy it!