I met with Dr. Tara Roth, referred by Laura H. Backus, of the San Mateo Vector Control District. She is currently working on retrieving ectoparasites (specifically nymphal ticks, fleas, kissing bugs, and soft ticks) from woodrat/packrat nests without damaging the nests. From there, her team analyzes tick species and the tick-borne diseases each possesses. Her work involves lab/field work rather than data analysis. She's offered me to start working on other related projects this fall as a way to gain background experience before my project in the spring. She will talk to her supervisor to ask for permission and draft a project proposal of the requirements and the end goal of the project. I have CCed Amy Strauss (MARC Coordinator) so that they can start with the mentor paperwork and other logistics. Moreover, I'm excited to collaborate with Tara and start researching for our project! 

General Project info:

• Tick related

• Field work at least 12 times

• After fieldwork process data  

• I am planning to conduct fieldwork on my days off from school

• Transportation is an hour and 10 minutes  

Amy Strauss, our MARC coordinator, recently held a meeting with my mentor, Dr. Tara Roth, and her supervisor to discuss the feasibility of my tick research project, taking into account my time constraints in the MARC program. I am thrilled to share that I received positive news from Amy – I will be conducting fieldwork during both winter and spring breaks. My project is now officially underway! I am immensely thankful for the unwavering support I've received from Amy and the valuable insights shared by the previous researchers I've had the privilege to interview.  My project will entail assessing methods for tick collection from woodrat nests to improve tick monitoring in California. Dr. Tara Roth is finalizing my project proposal and will be getting her fingerprints done as soon as possible. In her email, she provided additional research papers for me to read. Following Amy's advice, I plan to commence my research paper once I've completed reading Dr. Tara Roth's recommended research papers. This way, when I gather the data, I can focus on integrating it into the paper and other sections, reducing future stress. In addition to reading research papers, I plan to send more information on my availability to my mentor. Below are some of the research papers that Dr. Tara Roth sent me. 

Dr. Tara Roth and I will be meeting up for the first time on November 18th to familiarize myself with the procedures associated with woodrats, ticks, and the various study locations.  She has provided me with an email containing all the necessary information. I have been making progress on the research papers and the project proposal. My goal is to have read at least five research papers before our meeting. I am looking forward to future meetings with Dr. Tara Roth! 

On December 8th, 2023 I engaged in a Zoom meeting with Dr. Tara Roth to discuss the methods section and review the Excel sheet I have crafted. The project proposal contained several areas of ambiguity that required clarification, causing for me to check in with her. I documented her suggestions and identified missing information of which I was previously unaware. Also, we briefly touched upon our plans for the upcoming winter break. We aim to conduct fieldwork for a minimum of two days, spanning from 8 am to 3 pm each day. Before confirming a specific time to start the winter fieldwork with Dr. Tara Roth, I plan to consult with my guardians regarding my availability and transportation logistics. In the meantime, before I start going to the field, I will make sure to have the methods section and Excel as complete as possible. 

We had initially planned to use Thursday as a field day, but due to rain, we've rescheduled it to January 2nd. Today, Dr. Tara Roth introduced me to her workspace and her colleagues. She gave me a tour of the various sections in the labs, showcasing the different species they've analyzed over time. Additionally, she presented some of the most common tick species her team has collected throughout the years. During the visit, Dr. Roth had me sketch the distinctive parts of ticks that aid in differentiation. She also provided a closer look at multiple examples of various tick species under a microscope. She guided me through a key to interpret the differences, ensuring that I am well-prepared for future scenarios where identification may be challenging. Following this, I engaged in more hands-on practice, significantly improving my ability to differentiate between different tick species. In the last 15 minutes of our session, we reviewed an Excel data sheet, and Dr. Roth offered valuable feedback and suggestions. Looking ahead, we hope to be able to go to the field on the day chosen to officially commence my winter project, if the case that this project faces any challenges, Dr. Tara Roth is considering a Plan C. In the meantime, I will be doing additional edits on the Excel sheet. 

I have finished adding all the Collection 1 data for Edgewood Park to the Excel sheet. Meanwhile, while Dr. Tara Roth determines whether Jan 15th and/or Jan 27th would be suitable for field data collection at Waterdog Park and potentially for the second round at Edgewood Park, I will be focusing on the research paper. I am hoping to have the Introduction and methods done before early February. 

I had an interview with Dr. Bob Lane, a former professor at Cal Berkeley and a semi-retiree in the scientific community.  Dr. Lane has written many research papers regarding the core behaviors of Ixodes pacificus in California. He stays involved in his work, regularly engaging in conversations with scientists. This is what characterizes him as a semi-retiree, he still loves his work dearly. Dr. Lane offered valuable tips for my research paper, and he plans to send me additional research papers within the next two days. These resources are expected to be beneficial for my ongoing research. He has told me to not hesitate to ask him any questions that may arise throughout my research project. 

After I met with Dr. Lane, I responded to an email from Laurie letting her know of my availability to interview her in the next two weeks. Laurie knows about the geology at Edgewood Regional Park including plant life and (basic) soil chemistry. I look forward to speaking with her soon as I continue to draft my paper. In the meantime, I will finish up my methods/materials section and begin my introduction section. 

Other important info: Dr. Tara and I had initially planned to use January 27th as our field day. Unfortunately, it had to be canceled due to some pressing work that Dr. Tara needed to complete. I hope we can schedule a field day soon as February is approaching. 

I recently decided to participate in a Golden Gate Stem Fair and have yet to hear back. My mentor and I decided to submit our preliminary data with a poster, abstract, procedures, and project summary. Currently, there is a significant difference in the number of ticks seen in the chaparral habitat. As for my other project, we have gotten some data. We hope in April to make significant progress in it. 

Research paper: 

I have completed my introduction and materials/methods section. I will include my citations now and afterward will try to finish up my results section.  

I applied to the Golden Gate Stem Fair 2024 where I was awarded first place for the Biological Science Division, NOAA’s 2024 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award, and the Yerba Buena Plant Society Award for Research. I also participated in the California State Fair, however I did not make it to the finals. Thank you to Dr. Tara Roth for being supportive and cheering on me as I participated in these fairs. 

Awards: 

Golden Gate STEM Fair First Place Winner for Biological Science Division — March 2024

NOAA’s 2024 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award for Research — March 2024 

Yerba Buena Plant Society Award for Research — March 2024

I successfully completed my research paper and presented my findings at the MARC colloquium. Next, I hope to present my research at Edgewood Regional Park and Richmond College Prep schools. I feel incredibly fortunate to have conducted PCR testing and gained insight into the behind-the-scenes work at the San Mateo Vector Control District. My time with Dr. Tara Roth was amazing, and I look forward to speaking with her again. Her patience and support made her an incredible mentor. I can't believe that my time in MARC has come to an end. I am thankful for Amy and the MARC class of '24 for all their support and feedback. I wish them all the best as we embark on our new journeys.