Blog Post #3

Reflection

Content

Throughout my research on microplastics and their effects on plant systems, I developed a much deeper understanding of how widespread and complex this issue truly is. Before starting, I saw microplastics mostly as an environmental pollution problem in oceans. Through my work, I learned that they are also an agricultural and food safety concern, with the potential to affect plant physiology, water uptake and ultimately human consumption.

One of the most important insights from my research was that particle size matters significantly. While my statistical analysis did not show significant differences in water uptake, my observations revealed that smaller particles appeared to cause more visible stress in wheatgrass, including reduced root development and discoloration. This aligns with existing literature suggesting that smaller particles can more easily penetrate plant tissues.

However, my biomass results challenged my expectations. The larger particle group showed the highest biomass, which forced me to reconsider assumptions and recognize that biological systems are not always predictable. This taught me that unexpected results are still valuable and often lead to further questioning.

If i were to continue this research, I would:

• Increase my sample size to improve statistical power

• Extend the duration of the experiment

• Incorporate soil-based systems to better reflect real-world conditions

• Use more objective plant health measurements (ex. chlorophyll analysis)

Moving forward, I am interested in continuing research related to environmental biology and human health, especially how invisible pollutants impact food systems.

Product

The process of writing my academic paper and completing my presentation and oral defense pushed me to think more critically and communicate more clearly than ever before.

Writing the paper taught me to:

• Structure a formal scientific argument

• Integrate and synthesize scholarly sources

• Present data in a clear and unbiased way

The oral defense was especially valuable because it required me to go beyond memorization and truly understand my work. Answering questions about my methodology, limitations and conclusions helped me realize where my understanding was strong and where it needed improvement.

One key takeaway is that being able to explain your research clearly is just as important as conducting it. In the future, whether in college or a career in STEM, I will apply these skills when writing lab reports, presenting findings and defending ideas.

Process

This project taught me a lot about myself, not just as a student, but as a researcher and person.

As a researcher, I learned

• Patience: experiments don't always go as planned

• Adaptability: adjusting methods when initial plans fail

• Persistence: continuing despite unexpected or unclear results

As a student, I became more independent and self-driven. Given the timeframe and nature of this project, I had to strengthen my time management and accountability in a way that most classes don't require. Finally, I learned to be comfortable with uncertainty. Not everything has a clear answer.

Moving forward, I will carry these lessons into college and beyond, especially my ability to think critically, stay resilient through challenges and approach problems with curiosity rather than frustration.

Research Paper

Research Presentation