Et cetera : Sarah Vandewalle participated in Iowa State University's Science with Practice program.

Sarah Vandewalle (Brandon), majoring in animal science at Iowa State University, was a participant in Science with Practice this fall.Science with Practiceis 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. Vandewalle was advised by Dr. Albert Jergens, professor of veterinary clinical sciences, on a project titled "Correlating Helicobacter spp. Density with Inflammation in the Canine Stomach." This project used samples obtained from four different stomach regions of 7 canine patients exhibiting chronic vomiting. Sarah helped to determine the density of Helicobacter spp. bacteria using molecular techniques (FISH-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization). These densities were then compared with an inflammation score to determine if there is a statistical correlation. In total, nearly 20 undergraduate students and mentors participated in the program during fall 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 theDepartment of Agricultural Education and Studies, has linked students with faculty research since spring 2005. Students may participate in the program multiple semesters. This program is funded by the ISU Agricultural Endowment Board, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Van Wert Family Endowment.