Saumya Balaji is an Undergraduate Research Assistant with the Iowa State University Monarch Butterfly Research Team. She is originally from Johnston, Iowa, and is majoring in Environmental Science and Global Resource Systems at Iowa State University. Her interests include entomology and ecological research. Her past insect research experience was to understand the impact of cold stress on the tissues of alfalfa leafcutting bees, which sparked her interest in entomology, in which she plans to pursue her PhD.
What did you enjoy the most about growing up in Iowa? I was raised in India for the majority of my life before moving to Iowa during middle school. Growing up in Iowa was vastly different than my childhood in a bustling city in India, but it shaped me into the person I am today. Spending time in Iowa’s state parks and natural areas influenced my love for the environment and the outdoors.
Why did you choose Iowa State for college? My interest in pursuing a career in environmental research led me to Iowa State University (ISU). As someone that was interested in a career in research in academia or the public sector, ISU stood out to me with its strong research background and undergraduate research opportunities in my fields of interest. In addition, the proximity to family influenced my decision to pursue college at ISU.
What's the most useful thing you've learned as a student? Being a student has pushed me to be truly open-minded. Since entering ISU as a freshman, my interests have changed drastically because I was open to new experiences and saw challenges and mistakes as opportunities to grow and learn.
Why did you choose Environmental Science as your major? I chose to study Environmental Science at ISU because of my interest in the natural world around me. During high school, my involvement with the World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institutes sparked my interest in the interconnections of environmental issues and global food security. The Environmental Science major at ISU has allowed me to expand on these interests through courses and tangible experiences.
Why are you interested in monarch butterflies? I became interested in monarch butterflies because they play a critical role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Surveying milkweed habitats this summer has allowed me to learn so much about pollinators and their native habitats and I am excited to continue broadening my knowledge!
Describe your research this summer: This summer, I am working alongside my teammate, Emma Donahey, in the Monarch Butterfly Research Team. We are working on surveying monarch and pollinator sites around Iowa and collecting data on monarch habitats, milkweed density, pollinator species, and nectar plant species.
What is a skill you hope to refine during your internship? I hope to improve my field research skills this summer. Having had more experience laboratory-based research in the past, I am excited to learn how to conduct ecological surveys, accurately collect field data, and connect with the other members of the lab.
How do you hope to apply what you have learned in the future? I am planning to pursue a PhD in Entomology and hope to apply the skills that I learn from this research position to my graduate research. The hands-on knowledge and experience I will gain this summer will be crucial as I continue to understand insect-plant interactions and their role in sustainable ecosystems.
How can Iowa citizens help the monarch butterfly? Iowans can help monarch populations by implementing native pollinator plots and habitats in their yards and planting milkweed and other nectar flowering plants. Additionally, Iowans have the opportunity to volunteer with local organizations to help protect pollinators and monarchs. There are several volunteer and engagement opportunities offered through the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium.
