Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Justin Ng, 979-845-5322, justin.ng@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Justin Ng graduated from Texas A&M University on Aug. 10, but before he did, he took a trip this summer that may alter his future career.
As a post-doctorate research associate in the soil and crop sciences department at Texas A&M University, Ng works in the aquatic microbiology lab with Dr. Terry Gentry, assistant professor of soil and aquatic microbiology. He also works in the soil fertility laboratory with Dr. Frank Hons, a professor of soil science.
But in June and July, while he awaited the presentation of his degree, he participated in the National Science Foundation’s MicroTrop, a workshop that pulled in international students to Senegal for classes and experiments, as well as presentations on their own work.
The MicroTrop is a part of the foundation’s Partnership for International Research Education, established to enable a partnership of U.S., Senegalese and French researchers and students to participate in an intensive course in Tropical Microbial Ecology, according to foundation information.
The partnership project will enable examination of how native shrubs of the Sahel region influence soil moisture and soil microbial composition.
Foundation information states the Sahel region of the Sub-Saharan Africa is a vulnerable environment, under threat from desertification and soil degradation, which is seriously reducing the food supply.
Ng said in addition to anything they can do to help that region, research in developing countries is a very valuable option to American researchers. It also teaches an appreciation of what is available in the U.S.
“We couldn’t even rely on electricity and water at all times at their major research facilities. I learned to appreciate what we have, but also to admire the research that scientists from these countries are able to conduct under such conditions,” he said.
The trip was a networking opportunity with African and French scientists, Ng said, as well as 16 other participating students, half from North America and half from Africa.
MicroTrop included a base level of classes and then allowed the students to work on research projects together, he said. His project looked at nematodes under greenhouse conditions, which fit with his projects at Texas A&M looking at all different types of soil microorganisms.
“I was by far the most experienced and knowledgeable soil scientist there,” Ng said. “I was able to contribute to the discussions. Also, I have a pretty patient approach to research and in helping other people understand a new concept, so I felt valuable in that aspect.”
Ng will use his experience on this trip to help plan and participate in the 2014 MicroTrop, for which the Americans will be responsible for organizing.
“We want to design the program so we can try to bridge the gap and get more students to participate,” he said. “We have a different standard in our research, with the expectations of a certain amount of resources and amenities that come with it. It’s not that way there.”
Ng said the experience has changed his future plans.
“Before I went, my career goals were limited to the greater 48 states of the U.S., but now I would like to go to Europe or Australia or even Africa or Asia to do research as well,” he said.
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