Valerie Minnick, ‘24 is a chemistry major with a psychology minor. With aspirations to attend optometry school, she worked on an undergraduate research project that combined her interests with her long-term passion. In 2023, she was the poster winner for the College of Science when she presented her research, “Digital Imagery and Computer Simulations to Improve Student Glassware Readings in Lab.” 

After finishing her freshman year, Valerie learned about projects within the Purdue College of Science that caught her interest. She decided to talk to one of her professors, Dr. Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, a professor of practice in the Department of Chemistry, and he connected her to a position that fit her interests: a lab involving integrating technology, education, psychology, and chemistry. Due to the recent updates of Purdue’s Laboratories, this was a great time to focus on improving student glassware readings using digital imagery and computer simulations. 

Valerie, like many other undergraduate researchers, took over a project a previous student had started. Valerie was involved in every aspect of the research project, including the design, implementation, data collection, and other research tasks like data analysis. One of the greatest skills she learned was properly designing and implementing an ethical experiment with human subjects. 

“I love working in a laboratory setting, and if there’s a way to make more individuals feel comfortable in a laboratory setting, then I think it’s worth exploring.”

After conducting her research, Valerie concluded that “the use of technology in laboratory settings, such as participation in simulated glassware reading tutorials and taking photographs of the glassware, can assist with more accurate measurements.” 

Valerie found that this research could greatly benefit students with impaired vision since the technology helps assist students through photography and tutorials.

Dr. Rienstra-Kiracofe was one of her biggest cheerleaders regarding her research and academics. They shared similar passions for education and science. Regarding her mentor, Valerie said, “I am extremely lucky and thankful to have had Dr. Rienstra-Kiracofe as a professor and mentor because he gave me the tools, resources, and knowledge I needed to be successful in my research endeavors.” 

Looking ahead, Valerie plans to leverage her research experiences at Purdue as she earns her doctorate in optometry at the Indiana University School of Optometry. Her experience in research has prepared her to communicate with those outside of her discipline as she develops her own practice. 

“Research has taught me a lot about myself and what I’m looking for in a career. Even if you don’t end up on a career path that directly relates to your research, there are countless skills you gain that can be applied to other disciplines.”

Valerie suggests students participate in undergraduate research and present their work at a conference because it allowed her to convey the passion she had for her research to others while furthering her professional abilities such as presenting, answering questions about her work, and using an overall professional tone. She recommends that students who want to get involved in research reach out to professors they trust and ask what programs may be available and relevant.

“Undergraduate research is a great way for students to explore their interests and keep learning!”

The 2024 Purdue Day of Giving is on April 24! Join the Purdue community to rally behind student researchers. All donations to the Purdue Office of Undergraduate Research directly support students in conducting and presenting research through grants and scholarships!