Winter 2024 graduate, Kanaya Streeter, credits a Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates internship with connecting her to resources, preparing her for the future.
“Being a member of the REEU program under Dr. Victoria Volkis tremendously added to my studies at UMES,” said Streeter, a biology, pre-allied health major. “For the past few years, the program has allowed me to advance research and laboratory skills in my field.”
Streeter, who calls Prince George’s County home, has also had the added benefit of presenting the research team’s activities at professional conferences and symposiums throughout the experience. To culminate her senior year research, she presented a research poster on “Studying Thermal Decomposition of Aronia mitschurinii-Based Power Aid Drinks as a Key for Preservation of Phenolic Antioxidants” at the UMES SANS Undergraduate Research Symposium sponsored by Corteva.
Streeter’s work with the REEU also led to her becoming a member of the university’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation.
“Experiences with both programs have expanded my research and allowed me to make valuable connections. The support system at UMES among the staff and students has greatly benefited my academic goals, so much so that I have enrolled and been accepted into the Master of Chemistry Program and will be returning to UMES for the spring 2025 semester,” Streeter said.
Her advice for students wanting to pursue a SANS major: take yourself seriously.
“It’s easy to set academic and career goals, but investing in your study habits, environments, mental health and overall dedication and consistency to your program goes a long way. You have to push yourself to your best potential.”
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photo by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
