Andréa Minella
Andréa’s research focuses on equine urinary nitrogen excretion. Animal waste can have detrimental effects on the environment if not managed carefully. The current method of determining urinary nitrogen excretion is not feasible for most horse owners. Accordingly, she is working to develop a more efficient way to measure horse nitrogen excretion that utilizes a simple blood test.
As the primary undergraduate researcher, Andréa has participated in nearly every aspect of the research project. During data collection, she fitted six geldings with urine collection harnesses and traveled each day to the Horse Research and Teaching Facility to collect the horses’ feces and urine. In the laboratory, she ran several tests on the samples to determine the total nitrogen levels, ammonia concentrations, amino acid compositions, and urea concentrations.
Reflecting on the benefits of engaging in a research experience, Andrea commented: “I am a hands-on learner, and therefore benefited immensely from conducting research, as it allowed me to use the science I had learned about in classrooms.” In addition to learning laboratory skills, she also gained experience with handling horses. Andréa recommends that students interested in finding an undergraduate research positions need to “take the initiative” and get out and “talk to professors.” She plans to pursue a graduate degree in veterinary medicine next year.
