"Research does not involve only instrument techniques and science," says Eleanor Robinson of her first semester as a graduate student. "It includes working with tools, drilling into sampling instruments to make it work for different situations and sometimes taking apart an instrument to find the cause of incessant beeping!"

The Corinth, Texas, native may just be getting her feet wet, but she is already developing research interests and serving as a teaching assistant. "It's amazing that someone who knows so much is willing to sit down and talk to students," she says of her mentor, Dr. Sascha Usenko. "I'm very fortunate that this research lab allows for so much one-to-one interaction."

In addition, she believes that Baylor's environmental science department is unique because it is multidisciplinary. "I've taken classes that incorporate human health, sciences, agriculture and law," she says. "In this department, I am able to better understand the big picture of how the research becomes relevant to the rest of the world."

Eleanor is just starting to explore her research interests, and feels that the influence of Dr. Usenko has already been invaluable. "He is a busy man, yet it is still possible to find him and have a detailed conversation with him about research or anything else," she says. "He has pushed me to think outside the box for projects as well as research papers."

Outside of collaborating with peers in the classroom and laboratory, she says that the close-knit community among her classmates is something that is meaningful. "I like being able to go to the library and know that I'm going to see someone I know in their usual study spots," Eleanor says. "I enjoy the camaraderie of seeing and working with many classmates at the computer lab in the days before a report or assignment is due."

Eleanor is starting to dive into the topic of air pollution and has her sights set on working for the Environmental Protection Agency after graduation. "I feel that working with the government will be one of the most influential ways to educate and inform people bout what is happening to the environment," she says. "I would also like to be involved with communicating to the rest of the world the impact that certain actions have on the environment."