Anticipated Graduation Semester & Year
Spring 2021
Program of Study
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Pre-Medical Science Option
Hometown
Dickinson, North Dakota
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ve been accepted into a medical school, and I plan to become a pediatrician. I will start this next exciting phase of my education in the fall.
Tell us about the capstone research project you are working on in the Department of Natural Sciences at Dickinson State University (DSU).
Research Title: Human Physiology and Music: The Correlation between Physiological Responses and Genre Preferences
[My research] focuses on how people perceive music cognitively as compared to how people instinctively respond. I have been tracking certain physiological responses as participants listen to a curated playlist and comparing those results to a survey they completed before the research began in which they ranked a list of musical genres based on a “like” or “dislike” scale. I chose this project because it links two of my greatest interests and passions – music and human physiology. I have a great interest in music therapy research, and I believe that the results of my study may provide insight into, and support for, musical therapy practices to highlight the importance of the therapeutic techniques.
What have you enjoyed most about studying in the Department of Natural Sciences?
Some of the best experiences I have had are through my experiences with the Science Club. Most notably, I had such a great time on the Gulf Coast Tour that Science Club took in conjunction with the Range Club in January 2021. It was a great culmination of four years of fundraising, and, of course, it was great to enjoy the weather of the South while escaping the North Dakota winter for a while. The Gulf Coast has such an interesting natural ecology that we had the opportunity to learn about by exploring the bayou, swamp and wetlands, and through museums and aquariums across the coast. Other Science Club events, like the plant sales and picnics, were great at connecting science students in all stages of the program, and I am glad to have been involved with the club (even in small ways) all four years.
What led you to study at DSU?
I am from Dickinson, so DSU was always on the horizon as a possibility for my undergraduate degree. My father is a professor in the Arts & Letters department and School of Education, so I have grown up on campus in a way (attending DSU events, hanging out in his office, etc.). DSU seemed like a natural fit for me, allowing me to stay close to home even after I moved out of the house. What really sealed the deal for me about DSU specifically was hearing about the success rate of the Natural Science department in placing graduates into graduate and medical programs, so here I am! I have definitely found a home in this program, and I am very grateful for the opportunities and experiences DSU has provided for me the last four years.
What will a degree from the Department of Natural Sciences mean to you?
This degree will mean that all of the hours upon hours that I have put into every homework assignment, lab report, presentation, and studying for quizzes and tests will have been worth it. I have never been one to turn down an opportunity, so often during my tenure at DSU my plate was overflowing. I would not have been able to complete my degree with the level of success that I have were it not for understanding and helpful professors as well as great classmates and study buddies. I will definitely take with me the skills and knowledge that I have developed at DSU into my future endeavors.
A note from Dr. Corinne Brevik, professor of physics and co-chair of the Department of Natural Sciences:
It has been my pleasure to serve as Abigail’s research project mentor as well as to have her as a student in several classes. Her strong work ethic, her ability to balance a large number of commitments, and her devotion to medicine will allow her to become an amazing pediatrician. I know she will succeed and flourish in medical school.
