Sampling Day at Woolsey Wet Prairie
Author: Isabel Brickner | Major: Environmental, Soil and Water Science | Semester: Spring 2025
Hello reader! My name is Isabel Brickner and I recently graduated from the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental, Soil and Water Science. Over the spring 2025 semester, I was able to complete a research project with the guidance of Dr. David Miller in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences and funding from the University of Arkansas Honors College.
The purpose of my research was to quantify various soil properties of a unique micro-topographical feature called prairie mounds found at The Woolsey Wet Prairie Sanctuary in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Prairie mounds are natural features that can be found in grasslands west of the Mississippi River. The main goal of the study is to contribute to the growing knowledge on prairie mound morphology by quantifying soil properties of the prairie mounds and the off-mound areas (i.e. intermounds). The undulating form instigated by the prairie mounds introduces variation to the landscape that can facilitate differences in vegetation and ecological communities between the mounds and intermounds.
I have visited the wetland prairie ever since arriving in Fayetteville in 2022 and something about the site was intriguing to me. Throughout my time at the University of Arkansas, I frequently considered a research project focusing on the prairie and, after initial research on the prairie mounds, I determined that I wanted to focus on the prairie mounds. Upon applying for the University’s various undergraduate research grants, I needed to find a mentor to assist with the project. Dr. Miller is a staple in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences and after participating in one of his classes, I approached him with the project and was met with enthusiastic support. The good report built throughout his lecture was fundamental to establishing our mentor-mentee relationship.
Dr. Miller was incredibly helpful throughout the project. Aside from his willingness to always be as available as possible, he facilitated a learning environment that encouraged me to think critically. His expertise and experience with the type of procedures associated with the project helped to correct my own blind spots ensuring that procedures were done correctly with full understanding of what was being done and why. Several other individuals also supported this research project with their time, knowledge, and materials. Diego Della Lunga, Ph.D., assisted with sample collection and willingly answered many questions. Dr. Kristofor Brye was kind enough to share lab space and equipment on several different occasions. Maral Etesami and Elvis Elli, Ph.D., shared greenhouse space so the very wet soil samples could be dried quickly. Lastly, I relied heavily on my partner, Connor Williamson, to be my sounding board and motivator as things got progressively more complex. All of these people gave what they could to support this project, and without them, the project wouldn’t have progressed as smoothly and quickly as it did and I will forever be grateful.
Throughout the process of completing this research project, I learned a lot about prairie mounds and myself. This research project solidified my long-standing consideration of pursuing a career in scientific research and/or academia. I love the entire process, from identifying the question to interpreting the results, and this relatively self-guided project allowed me to have a bite-sized semblance of a much larger professional experience. I realized just how difficult it was to complete an independent research project while also finishing my undergraduate degree, participating in extra-curricular activities and maintaining my responsibilities at work. Everything took much longer than I initially anticipated and there were many things I did not anticipate at all. so completing this project required adaptability and endurance. All in all, it would not have been possible without relying on those around me and this project made me realize how much you might miss out on if you’re afraid to ask for help.
I shared the preliminary findings of this research at the 2025 National Undergraduate Research Symposium at the University of Arkansas and intend to present the completed project at a few conferences in 2026. I graduated in May 2025 and am currently taking a gap year between undergraduate and graduate school. This project helped me to see what my strengths and weakness are and a gap year will allow me to work on my weaknesses so that I can get the most out of continuing my education.