Last week, we sat down with Evan Rushton, '16 to discuss the research he has been working on with Psychology Professor Adam Wenzel. Evan presented his research at the New England Psychological Association (NEPA) Annual Meeting at Fitchburg State University on October 10th. 1. Could you briefly describe your research? We used a within-subjects design measuring for taste threshold and intensity. Before and after, subjects were given two taste modifiers, Miracle fruit, which turns sour tastes sweet, and Gymnema Sylvestre tea which suppressed sweet taste entirely. 2. What is your year of graduation and majors/minors? I am a senior psychology major with a minor in human relations and work. 3. How did you get involved with this research? Which professor are you working with?
In relation to this research, Professor Wenzel and I collaborated. At the end of the spring semester sophomore year, an email went out about a summer research position related to the INBRE grant. INBRE (i.e., Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) is a program that funds research opportunities for undergraduate students to work on biomedical research. I talked to Professor Wenzel about doing something with taste because whenever I would talk to him after class he would always mention something from the class I took with him, Sensation and Perception, such as the miracle fruit. I thought that it was pretty interesting so I was glad to get on board with the project. 4. What is the most valuable tool you have gained from being involved in research? I think the most important thing gained from being involved in research is experience. Since I am looking to go into graduate school, it is helpful to have experience especially if you are looking to go into a research-oriented field. Also, it gave me the independence and ability to organize a research project. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t know how to go through the Institutional Review Board application and many other research procedures.
5. What advice would you give to incoming freshman about getting involved in research?
I would tell the freshman to definitely try to get a research position. Get as involved as early as possible with the department and develop a relationship with professors. Eventually you are going to need their help, and they are very helpful to say the least.
6. What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I would very much like to go into grad school, or get a job right out of college. I am interested in organizational psychology. If I go to grad school, I am interested in pursing a doctorate.
7. How do you think this experience will benefit your future goals?
In relation to the research that I did, even though it is not directly relatable to Industrial Organizational psychology, it gave me valuable tools in order to understand the research process.