S2.1: Back to the Lab!

Back to the Lab!
It's been really exciting to come start the spring semester, because I have been looking forward to the internship. My time back has gotten off to a rough start. I quickly learned the importance of para-filming sample plates for long-term storage. When I went into the refrigerator, I came to find that all my samples had been contaminated and dried-out. Luckily, there will be more creosote samples to tests, but this was definitely a hard lesson learned.
As for the rest of the semester, I have become interested in microplastics. I am hoping to work on a research project this semester which will allow me to test for micro-plastics in city drinking water. My interest in this topic came from reading a report on plastic contamination in the tap water of cities around the world. I am interested in finding out how data from the Phoenix area compares to national and global data.

S-STEM Intern Biography

Biography
My name is Samantha Faltermeier, and I am returning student working toward a second bachelor’s degree in Biology before I attend graduate school. My previous bachelor's degree is in Sociology. It is my third semester as a full-time student here at Phoenix College. My areas of interests are Biology, Public Health/Safety, and Public Policy. I have chosen this path for numerous reasons. I want to conduct research in a laboratory setting. I would like to use this research to help advocate for better health outcomes and health policy, because public policy affects the lives of people and research supports dissemination of unbiased information Lastly, this path will allow me to give back to my community by serving as a role model for future Hispanic women scientists.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking with friends and am a nationally certified EMT.