“I moved to Indiana during the pandemic, so I didn’t have much chance to engage in social activities. MASI was the perfect opportunity this summer because it offered both social and academic opportunities,” Yesilyurt added.
From lab work to picking the brains of undergraduate Purdue students, MASI also offered recreational firsts for its students.
“I never imagined myself kayaking for the first time during this program, but I did,” Yesilyurt continued.
Dilley said kayaking with the students was a highlight of the program for her as well.
“Seeing the students help each other when stuck, learning how to navigate, checking out the wildlife and getting outside was a really great experience,” she said.
Widhalm added that for him, one of the most rewarding experiences was watching students adapt to lab work and quickly gain confidence. “As the students become more comfortable in the lab setting, more confident in their own abilities, and more accepting of embracing the experience, they start to engage more,” he reflected.
Both Urbine and Yesilyurt said while they had both been previously interested in STEM fields, they are now seriously considering pursuing careers in agriculture, ideally at Purdue.
“I’m considering biochemistry or agricultural engineering as two field choices,” Urbine said.
From Dilley’s perspective, this is an ideal outcome. She worked hard to offer it this year in a way that was safe and engaging. Her hope is that the program continues to grow.
“Programs like this are important for attracting students because they really get to experience what life is like as a scientist at a prestigious research university, specifically within the field of agriculture,” Dilley added.