Curiosity in Action: Diving Deep into the Natural World
Konoka Uematsu ’26 is curious about the natural world and driven to turn her passion into action. From camping trips studying vertebrates to lab research in seagrass restoration to conducting student-faculty research, she’s explored ecosystems in the classroom, in the field and in the lab. “I love the chance to dive deep,” she says. “Whether I'm observing vertebrates under rocks or designing experiments in the lab, Dickinson encourages learning that fuels curiosity.”
Major:
Biology major, with a minor in ethics.
Clubs and organizations:
Japanese Student Association, Dialogues Across Differences and the Norman M. Eberly Multilingual Writing Center (peer tutor, writing associate).
Honors/awards:
The 2025 Waidner-Spahr Library Research Prize for Sophomores or Juniors.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
I love the chance to dive deep into both classroom and field experiences. Whether I’m observing vertebrates under rocks or designing seagrass experiments in the lab, Dickinson encourages hands-on learning that fuels curiosity.
Best thing about my major:
Biology combines my love of discovery with real-world impact. As a biology major, I can explore ecosystems, study organisms and contribute to solutions to environmental challenges.
On choosing Dickinson:
Dickinson offers the perfect balance of academic rigor and experiential learning. Programs like the Semester in Environmental Studies at Woods Hole made me confident it was the right place to pursue research and growth.
Favorite class:
Natural History of Vertebrates with Associate Professor of Biology Scott Boback. We learned in the classroom and then explored ecosystems firsthand—highlighted by a 10-day camping trip to Wehle Land Conservation Center in Alabama. We practiced field methods, built museum specimens and even discovered a frog species not previously seen in the county. It left me eager to explore the natural world—even under rocks and in crevices (not recommended!).
Favorite professor:
Professor of Biology Scott Boback, for making learning immersive and hands-on. His class showed me the joy of discovery and the importance of curiosity in science.
Internship experience:
I took part in a 12-week summer internship at the Teichberg Lab, Marine Biological Laboratory, in Woods Hole, Mass., in fall 2024. Working with a small cohort and learning from over 10 scientists, I conducted independent research on “Characterization of Lipid Biomarkers During Temperature Stress in Sargassum (S. filipendula)” and won the Waidner-Spahr Library Research Prize. My mentor, Dr. Mirta Teichberg, continued to guide me in summer research, inspiring my path toward a research career. I am developing methods to clone seagrass for restoration projects, learning lab techniques, experimental design and problem-solving while contributing to conservation efforts.
Research projects:
- Seagrass restoration at Marine Biology Lab: Developing two methods to clone Zostera marina (eelgrass) to restore declining meadows without harming donor sites. Techniques include splitting mature plants and tissue culture using indirect somatic embryogenesis.
- Freshwater algae survey on campus: Collaborating with Associate Professor of Biology Carol Loeffler to track algal blooms in Big Spring and LeTort, collecting data on sediment, water flow and quality, with planned testing in partnership with ALLARM.
- Sargassum lipid biomarker at Marine Biology Lab: Studied effects of temperature stress on S. filipendula, finding shifts in lipid composition that suggest structural stress and energy consumption under higher temperatures.
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Published October 15, 2025